Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton warned that Russia's support for Iran, including sharing intelligence on U.S. military operations, represents a major threat to Washington and regional stability.

Russia and Iran aren’t natural partners. Until recently, the two nations tended to view one another with suspicion. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, however, an alliance has emerged,

Apparent Russia-linked hacking collectives backing Iran have been observed joining the cyber activity unfolding alongside the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, though analysts have mixed views on whether their involvement represents a meaningful escalation or little more than online noise.

Cooperation between Russia and Iran has given Iran the means and cover to act aggressively. Even as Moscow's support has been revealed as hollow, it still drives action.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirms that the consulate in Isfahan was damaged in shelling earlier this week.