Israel’s airstrikes on Iran on June 13 could benefit Ukraine by diminishing Russia’s influence in talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, as Iran’s collapse would remove Putin’s key ally and bargaining chip, political analyst Abbas Gallyamov told Radio NV.
“For Ukraine, the prospect of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s fall is very appealing; it’s [Vladimir] Putin’s closest ally, and Ukrainians have seen enough Iranian drones overhead,” Gallyamov said.
“This alone is enough to wish these guys serious problems, which the IDF is now providing them with.”
He highlighted that Iran’s weakening eliminates Putin’s leverage in negotiations with America.
“So far, Ukraine has been exchanged for Iran,” said the expert.
“That is, Trump was saying to Putin: ‘Okay, I’m not going to push you too hard for now, continue your actions in Ukraine, and in return, support me on Iran’. Once the Iranian atom issue is resolved, especially if the Iranian regime falls, Trump’s need for Putin’s backing vanishes in this area.”
Israel’s Operation Strength of a Lion, involving 200 fighter jets and over 330 munitions targeting 100 targets, including Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and military sites, began on June 13.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue until objectives are met.
Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened Israel and the United States with a “tough response” for the night strikes. Iran has already launched about 100 drones at Israel.
