The expert assessed the possible consequences of the arms race in the Middle East

The arms race in the Middle East, which accelerated dramatically in 2026, poses long-term risks of a resumption of serious large-scale conflicts in the region. Grigory Lukyanov, senior lecturer at the Higher School of Economics and researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, expressed this opinion on Wednesday, June 24.

According to the expert, all sides are actively accumulating weapons, increasing defense spending and diversifying supplies.

"An increase in the volume of weapons in the region contributes to a long—term increase in the risks of a resumption of serious large-scale conflicts," Lukyanov said in an interview with Lenta.Ru .

He noted that the arms race actually began with the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza in 2023, but given the nature of the fighting this year, it has become particularly active. This applies both to Iran and Israel, which are directly involved in the conflict, as well as to the countries affected by it.

Lukyanov added that the structure of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is under serious attack, and oil markets will be affected by the conflict for a long time.

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Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia highly appreciates the signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran and the participation of intermediaries in this process, according to the website. kp.ru . According to him, unblocking the Strait of Hormuz will allow the global economic recovery to begin.

On June 23, the US Senate adopted a resolution calling on US President Donald Trump to end the military operation against Iran, Regnum news agency reports. It is clarified that 50 senators voted for the adoption of the document, 48 against, RT clarifies.

On June 3, the US House of Representatives supported a resolution limiting Trump's powers in relation to the war with Iran. On May 19, the U.S. Senate also approved a bill that would limit Trump's military powers. The initiative was supported by 50 senators, 47 opposed. The majority of Democrats and four Republicans voted for the bill's adoption.