When Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, officials in Russia described the current escalation in the Middle East as "alarming" and "dangerous." Still, Russian media were quick to stress the potential positives for Moscow.

Analysts say the Kremlin is prioritizing its own war against Ukraine, as well as its relations with Gulf nations that don’t want to see a stronger Iran.

As its military gains the upper hand in its conflict with Iran so far, Israel is now proceeding to expand on its reasons for action and its vision towards “a bigger picture,” in a broader Middle East and Europe-related context that transcends its current offensive in Iran.