Iranian General Criticizes Russian Ally: 'Russia Embodiment of Evil'

tel aviv - A high-ranking Iranian general criticizes the Russian military, highlighting the growing cracks in the alliance between Iran and Russia.

According to Behrouz Esbati, Russian fighter jets deliberately targeted open fields instead of positions of Syrian jihadists. The top general also holds Moscow responsible for the deaths of several high-ranking officials of the Revolutionary Guard. Russia, he claims, deactivated Syria's radar systems during Israeli air strikes on Iranian positions.

The relationship between Tehran and Moscow has always been one of pure necessity: both countries are internationally under pressure and found common ground in trade and their disdain for the West. However, they have opposing interests, have historically been more enemies than friends, and are now in direct opposition over a strategic corridor in Central Asia. They are also competitors in the export of gas and oil, a sector under Western sanctions.

Notably, Russia wanted Donald Trump to win the U.S. elections, while Iran is accused of plotting an assassination attempt on the Republican. There are increasing speculations that Trump will approve an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear program. When asked if he had a message for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the incoming president said on Wednesday evening, "I wish him success."

The chances of Russia coming to the aid of its ally are slim. In the past year, Russia did not intervene when Israel carried out attacks, much to the frustration of many Iranians. A former senior security official, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, criticized Moscow's stance. Israel could rely on its Western and Arab allies in defending against an Iranian attack, while Tehran stood alone. "Other powers did not come to Iran's aid, even in wartime," Falahatpisheh remarked.

His criticism was echoed by a journalist during a controversial press conference with the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman. "When they faced setbacks in Ukraine, they came running to us and asked for drones, missiles, everything," the journalist said. "On the night Israel attacked us, our military's defense system was on its own, completely alone."

In recent years, Iran has supplied Russia with drones and other weapons, and assisted in setting up a drone factory in the country. However, it did not receive the desired modern air defense and fighter jets in return. This has become crucial, especially after Israel disabled a significant portion of Iran's air defense in its recent strike.

Partly due to this, Khamenei is facing increasing criticism in his own country. He had promised a 'devastating response' but so far, nothing has materialized. General Esbati suggested in his speech that such a response is unlikely to happen now. The 'situation,' according to him, does not allow for it. Iran has suffered numerous losses recently, including the fall of Assad.

For decades, Tehran invested tens of billions in building an Axis of Resistance with regional allies, but in a year, a significant portion of its deterrence has been lost. Most Iranian troops have left Syria. Even media close to the Revolutionary Guard have recently criticized Khamenei's actions.

There is also criticism of the strategic alliance with Moscow. A political commentator wrote on social media this week, 'Russia is the embodiment of evil. From today onwards, anyone in the government who has even the slightest soft spot for the Russians should be disgraced.'

The cracks in the anti-Western alliance somewhat overshadow the strategic partnership that the Iranian president is likely to sign during his visit next week. The agreement covers various aspects, from trade to defense, and the countries still need each other for now. However, recent developments reveal that the alliance is more fragile than portrayed.