Putin Wins as Iran War Funnels Oil Windfall to Russia

Vox argues that, despite Iran’s turmoil, Vladimir Putin emerges as the war’s clear beneficiary: soaring oil prices and a temporary easing of sanctions boost Russia’s revenue, while a distracted Western alliance and shifting Middle East dynamics reduce pressure on Moscow. The piece notes Russia’s growing leverage as it profits economically from the crisis, even as Ukraine seeks defense-tech gains and global sentiment toward the conflict complicates a united stance against Moscow.