The rising alliance of 'Axis of Good'.

Byline: Rubab Ali

The Trilateral Summit in Tehran between Iran, Russia, and Turkiye left many questioning the credibility of the meeting and its underscored agendas for the region and the globe. Although the summit was a part of the 2017 Astana Format among Iran, Turkiye, and Russia for the peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis, many have seen this meeting as a parallel effort against US President Joe Biden's visit to the Middle East. Yevgeny G. Popov, a member of the Russian Parliament while commenting on the event, called the alliance 'Axis of Good' against the term proposed by US President George Bush i.e. 'Axis of Evil' in 2001. It is perceived that the exchange of warm greetings between the three leaders is a strong impression on the West. Two heavily sanctioned states making alliances with an influential regional state is equivalent to using the Queen to break the stalemate in the game of chess.

Russia Russia used the meeting to symbolize that its conflict with Ukraine has not been isolated. Moscow and Russia still hold grounds for dialogues and agreements in the Middle East. It was primarily a power show for Russia, but it had many secondary interests regarding its sanctioned oil market and wheat trade. Russia being cut off from Western markets has tried to bring Iran; another sanctioned but major oil producer, into an economic partnership. After invading Ukraine, Russia has been trying to get as many partners in its basket as possible. This summit was the follow-up of 'The Caspian Littoral states Summit' held in Turkmenistan, where Russia tried to cement support from Caspian states. Russia wants to convey the message that it can be sanctioned but not ignored. It is still a major player both in the West and East. Moreover, this also presented that Russia still holds ground in the resolution of key international issues i.e. either the global food crisis or Iran's nuclear program.

The Benefiter Iran however, a country already struggling with a sanctioned economy, and facing an economic meltdown due to the Ukraine conflict, has tried to earn big from this meeting. Iran welcomed Russia with a warm endorsement of war in Ukraine, stating that if Russia had not used the opportunity to attack Ukraine and counter expanding NATO influence, the opponent would have initiated it first. Iran is trying to capitalize as much as possible on Moscow's tilt toward Tehran. The foremost need that Iran needs from Russia is Wheat-the critical economic...