Iran is a lock in the south of Russia

ArmInfo. For Russia, the existence of a strong and independent Iran is a strategic necessity. Iran is a lock in southern Russia, writes political commentator Lyubov Stepushova in an article for eadaily.com.

According to her, if a pro-American regime is established in Tehran or the country descends into chaos, Russia will face a vast zone of instability right on the borders of the Caucasus and Central Asia and the risk of the Caspian Sea becoming a NATO military presence.

Under sanctions, the North-South transport route through Iran to the Indian Ocean has become a lifeline for Russia. Without an independent and friendly Iran, Russia will find itself in a transport blockade, as Western and maritime routes through the Bosphorus remain under threat of restrictions.

Iran has become a key partner for Russia in defense technologies (drones, missile programs). The loss of such an ally in the context of the global confrontation with the West will weaken Moscow's military and strategic positions.

If Iran moves into the Western orbit, its gas and oil resources could be used to collapse global energy prices, which would deal a blow to the Russian budget.