Russia Fears Collapse of Iran, Says Smagin

Russia is in favor of signing an agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program, as it fears the collapse of Iran due to renewed attacks that could threaten Moscow's economic interests. This was reported by the British publication The Times.

It is noted that Russia is Iran's largest foreign investor, and its specialists are actively participating in the construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran. Iranian nuclear scientists have also been trained in Russia.

Additionally, there are plans to construct a gas pipeline from Russia to Iran via Azerbaijan, as well as a project by Moscow to create a gas hub for supplying third countries.

“The main challenge facing Russia under current conditions is the threat to all of its projects in Iran, in which it has been actively investing since 2022. If Iran becomes completely unstable due to the ongoing attacks, then both the gas hub and other more realistic projects will vanish along with the investments already made,” said Smagin, an expert on Iranian issues and Russia's policy in the Middle East.