In order to effectively understand Russian objectives, interests and approach in the Middle East, Russian comprehensive strategy in this region is observed through layers of political, diplomatic, economic, and security activities. Proper understanding of Russian strategy allows for well based future predictions and solid counter-strategy for purposes of mitigating the effects of Russian actions.

Iran’s comprehensive strategy in the Middle East has mainly been directed by conservative domestic actors, with Ali Khamenei and IRGC being the most decisive ones. Foreign operations have been shaped by developments in the Shia Crescent, encompassing Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, where foreign proxies as well as adversary forces or non-competitive partners have been engaged.

Russia’s core strategic priorities in the Western part of the Post Soviet Space are formulated primarily by the Security Council chaired by Vladimir Putin. The secretariat of the Security Council is dominated by the military focused hardline, but pragmatic approaches.

Although currency internationalization is predominantly a market-driven process, political aspirations are not to be neglected entirely, and since 2005, the Chinese government and the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) have certainly taken steps to promote the use of the Chinese renminbi (RMB) in international transactions.

Middle East forms a key region for US’ foreign policy actions. The main actors influencing the US Comprehensive Strategy towards the Middle East are divided into several subcategories, out of which the most notable are economic, political, electoral, and social ones.