Russia’s Stakes in the Iran War, With Thomas Graham

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: Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

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Russia’s Stakes in the Iran War, With Thomas Graham is an episode from The President's Inbox by Council on Foreign Relations.

This episode is 35:03 long.

This episode was published on Apr 8, 2026.

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