War has gripped the Middle East, but the turmoil is giving Russia an opportunity

Mar 12, 2026 - 11:00
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War has gripped the Middle East, but the turmoil is giving Russia an opportunity
An LPG gas tanker at anchor as traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Shinas, Oman, March 11, 2026.

The Kremlin wants to exert its influence in the Middle East and has publicly said its support for Iran, a strategic ally, is unwavering. But experts say there are limits to how far Moscow will go: It does not want to antagonize Washington, and it also stands to gain economically from a global energy crisis.