Russia’s Stakes in the Iran War, With Thomas Graham
From The President’s Inbox by Council on Foreign Relations
April 8, 2026 · 35 min
About this episode
This episode discusses Russia's strategic interests and challenges in the context of the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
This episode unpacks the opportunities and risks Moscow is facing amid the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran. Host: James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR Guest: Thomas Graham, Distinguished Fellow, CFR We Discuss: Whether Russia and Iran are true allies, or simply friends of convenience. How decades of rivalry and recent convergence shaped the current Moscow-Tehran relationship. Why Russia's strategic partnership with Iran excludes a mutual defense obligation. What role Russian intelligence sharing may be playing on the Middle East battlefield. How rising oil prices help Russia in the short term but carry serious long-term economic risks. Whether keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed serves Moscow's interest. How Operation Epic Fury has stalled peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war, and complicated weapons supply to Kyiv. Mentioned on the Episode: Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, July 14, 2015 Russia-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, January 17, 2025 For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/russias-stakes-in-the-iran-war…
People in this episode
Host: James M. Lindsay
Guest: Thomas Graham
Topics covered
- Russia-Iran relations
- Middle East conflict
- U.S. foreign policy
- oil prices
- intelligence sharing
- Russia-Ukraine war
Keywords
- Russia
- Iran
- Middle East
- oil prices
- intelligence
- U.S. foreign policy
- Ukraine war
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Council on Foreign Relations
Books & works: Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Russia-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty
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