Updated: 4 сентября, 2026 3:32 пп
The deepening ties between the Ukraine and Iran wars increase the risks of military escalation in Europe and more broadly.
Jnews.az reports that Christopher S. Chivvis, director of the American Statecraft Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wrote about this in his article published in «The Guardian».
According to the author, Russia’s hybrid operations in Europe and the dangers created by the Ukraine war are becoming increasingly connected with the Iran conflict. He particularly drew attention to the drone incident at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle airport.
On August 4, a drone equipped with explosives was discovered at the airport. The German government later announced that it held Russia responsible for the incident. Moscow, however, rejected these accusations.
Chivvis believes that precisely such incidents could be one of the reasons for US CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow. According to his writing, Ratcliffe warned Russian officials about possible attacks against NATO territory, calling on Moscow to reduce its support for Iran and work toward an agreement to end the Ukraine war.
In the author’s view, the US continuing the war in Iran contradicts Washington’s efforts to end the Ukraine war. He believes that increased US focus on the Middle East could create an opportunity for Russia to take more serious steps in Ukraine.
The article notes that Ukraine is also involved in the Iran conflict to some extent. Namely, Ukraine has sent specialists and unmanned aerial vehicles to the Gulf countries to defend against Iranian missile attacks. In addition, it is reported that Ukraine struck an Iranian commercial vessel in late July.
Chivvis also writes that Russia provides battlefield intelligence data to Iran and that Moscow has long used Iranian-made drones in attacks against Ukraine.
The author believes that in both the Ukraine and Iran conflicts, the parties find it difficult to back down despite high casualties and costs. In his view, this situation could cause the wars to drag on further and increase the risk of escalation.
Chivvis also drew attention to China and Russia participating together with Iran at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Although Beijing does not want these wars to continue, it is not interested in the complete defeat of Russia and Iran.
The expert thinks the US should put forward more concrete diplomatic initiatives to end both conflicts. He suggested reaching an agreement with Iran toward a ceasefire and the easing of sanctions, and in the case of Ukraine, discussing the consequences of continuing the war more seriously.
Chivvis warned that long-unresolved regional conflicts could lead to larger international confrontations. The growing interconnection between the Ukraine and Iran wars further increases this danger.
Source: theguardian.com
