Iran conflict could open opportunities for Russia to possibly become a power broker to help end the confrontation.

By Ben Aris in Berlin With its long-standing good relations with both Tel Aviv and Tehran, the outbreak of war in the Middle East has put Moscow in a delicate position, but it has also been presented it with the opportunity to act as peacemaker and weaken the West’s support for Ukraine in the process.

Russia has tried to maintain warm relations with Israel even as it has developed strong economic and military ties with Iran, putting Moscow in an awkward position as the two countries are on the brin

The deadly fighting between Israel and Iran is unlikely to bring Moscow closer to ending its invasion of Ukraine, and there are several ways it could play into Russia’s hands. But they may not move the dial dramatically in a war that seems destined to continue for months to come,