The rapprochement between Washington and Moscow could affect the strategic relationship between Iran and Russia, while the US is simultaneously increasing pressure on Tehran through new sanctions, attacks on Yemen, and military threats.
In Iran, there are two dominant views: some believe that the rapprochement between Moscow and Washington may weaken Iran-Russia cooperation, while others think that Russia will continue to maintain its strategic relationship with Iran. In this regard, the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Iran and Russia in January 2025 indicates the commitment of both countries to deepening their cooperation.
On the other hand, regional developments, including the failure of the ceasefire in Gaza and the extensive attacks by the Zionist regime on Gaza, have led to increased tensions in West Asia. In the same vein, the US has increased pressure on Iran, imposing new sanctions and conducting widespread attacks on Yemen, while threatening Iran with military action.
In these circumstances, the trilateral meeting between Iran, Russia, and China in Beijing and the adoption of common positions against US unilateralism demonstrate Tehran's efforts to create a balance against Washington's pressures. Meanwhile, Trump's letter to the Leader of the Revolution via the UAE, emphasizing the two options of "agreement or war", indicates Washington's strategy of exerting maximum pressure on Tehran.
Israel's attack on Gaza: End of ceasefire and beginning of a new phase of confrontations
With the failure of ceasefire negotiations, the Zionist regime has once again launched extensive attacks against the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army's statement emphasizes that, "based on high-level political orders," a large-scale offensive operation is underway against Hamas positions and other resistance groups. Palestinian sources have so far reported the martyrdom of dozens of people and the injury of many more.
These attacks are taking place in a context where Israel is seeking to consolidate its position in a changing international landscape. The potential rapprochement between Washington and Moscow has created an opportunity for Tel Aviv to pursue its expansionist policies without international pressure. On the other hand, the intense internal pressure against Netanyahu and the political problems within the government, as well as the increasing popular support for resistance groups, have led the Israeli Prime Minister to resort to military solutions as the only option to manage the political crisis within.
Washington, Tehran, and Yemen crisis: Multi-layered pressure on Iran
Another critical point is the escalation of tensions in Yemen and the role of the United States in this process. Donald Trump has recently threatened Iran for its support of the Ansarallah forces, claiming that "any support for this group will have severe consequences for Tehran." In this regard, the US National Security Adviser has also spoken about the possibility of targeting Iranian assets related to Yemen.
In recent months, the United States has shifted its approach from solely economic sanctions to direct military pressure. The recent attacks by the US and the UK on Ansarallah positions, which have resulted in the martyrdom and injury of dozens of people, demonstrate Washington's willingness to increase the costs of Iran's regional presence. This is while Tehran has repeatedly emphasized that it will not back down from resisting the US's aggressive policies.
Trilateral meeting of Iran, Russia, and China in Beijing: Creating balance against Washington
Coinciding with the increase in Western pressures, Iran, Russia, and China, in a trilateral meeting in Beijing, emphasized the need to counter US unilateralism. This meeting, attended by senior officials from the three countries, carried important messages for Washington.
One of the most significant axes of this summit was Russia and China's emphasis on Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. This stance demonstrates the support of the two Eastern powers for Tehran against US pressure and its allies. Meanwhile, security and economic cooperation between the three countries is expanding and can serve as a balancing factor against Washington's sanctions policies.
Trump's letter to Iran: A strategy of maximum pressure in form of threat diplomacy
In one of the most significant recent diplomatic developments, Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran via the UAE. According to published reports, the letter presents Iran with two options: "reaching an agreement" or "entering into war". This move is part of Washington's maximum pressure policy, which, on the one hand, puts Iran under economic pressure through sanctions, and on the other hand, attempts to force Tehran to accept Washington's political will.
Concurrently with the sending of this letter, the US imposed new sanctions on Iran, the most significant of which is the sanctioning of the Islamic Republic's oil minister. This move demonstrates Washington's focus on Iran's financial resources and its attempt to weaken the country's economic capabilities. American politicians believe that the goal of these sanctions is to increase Iran's strategic costs and force Tehran to accept Washington's desired conditions.
Iran faces complex scenarios
The collection of these developments indicates that the region has entered a sensitive phase. On the one hand, the rapprochement between the US and Russia may change Iran's strategic equations, and on the other hand, the escalation of tensions in Gaza and Yemen has further complicated the diplomatic landscape.
In this context, Iran is attempting to resist US pressure by expanding its cooperation with Russia and China. However, the main question is whether this alliance can withstand Washington's multi-layered pressures. The answer to this question depends on the stability of the relationships between Tehran and Moscow, as well as Iran's flexibility in the face of potential future scenarios.
NOURNEWS