In a direct and candid statement at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed a growing international question: Why is Russia not offering military support to Iran amid escalating tensions with Israel? “Iran has not asked us for military assistance,” Putin said in response to a pointed question from a journalist. “And under our treaty, there is no obligation for us to intervene unless requested.” The Russian leader referred to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed between Russia and Iran in January 2025. While the treaty has deepened bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and defense technology, it does not contain a mutual defense clause , meaning Moscow is not compelled to support Iran in the event of an armed conflict. Putin further revealed that Russia had offered joint air defense initiatives , but Iran declined . “We proposed cooperation in defending airspace, but Iran did not show much interest,”...