Russia's Middle East Policy and Conflict Management Tehran-Riyadh Relations

With the rise of Russian nationalists and Eurasianists, the Middle East has become strategically important in Russia's regional and global calculations. In this context, the development of relations with key actors in the Middle East subsystem, such as the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia, has been one of Russia's foreign policy priorities. But Tehran and Riyadh are pursuing conflicting interests in the region, which poses a challenge to Russia's diplomatic apparatus. Given this issue, the research question is based on how Russia, while maintaining relations with Tehran and Riyadh, has managed the conflict in their relations in line with its regional interests? The hypothesis of the article is based on the fact that Russia has tried to establish independent relations with both countries simultaneously based on a completely realistic and pragmatic approach, in order to serve its regional as well as global interests. The research method is analytical-explanatory and the theoretical approach of realism has been used to explain the subject. Findings show that in relation to the issue of Iran's nuclear activities, regional influence and its presence in Syria, the confrontation of the Resistance Front with the Arab-Hebrew coalition and Iran's support for the Yemeni Houthis in the war With Saudi Arabia, Kremlin leaders ignored the Saudis' demands and instead pursued a policy of coordination with Tehran in the national interest.