This Is Why Why Putin could be the Iran war's big winner
Mar 10, 2026
Ivor Bennett, Sky News Moscow correspondent who reports on Russia, explains how Putin may be maneuvering amid the Iran war. He discusses the Putin–Trump call, Russia’s diplomatic balancing with Gulf states and Iran, oil and sanctions dynamics, and how the conflict could shift global attention and boost Russia’s influence.
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Putin Positioning As Middle East Mediator
- Vladimir Putin is positioning himself as a mediator in the Iran conflict to gain diplomatic leverage.
- Ivor Bennett explains Kremlin readouts framed the call as a frank exchange and Putin offering a political/diplomatic end to the fighting.
Russia Walking A Diplomatic Tightrope
- Russia must walk a tightrope between supporting Iran and preserving ties with Gulf states and the US.
- Bennett notes Russia has deepened ties with Iran but also maintains good relations with UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Energy Market Gains Boost Russia
- The Iran war has produced immediate economic benefits for Russia via higher oil prices and potential new energy customers.
- Bennett highlights Putin's taunting suggestion of reselling gas to Europe and Reuters reporting possible easing of US oil sanctions after the call.