The United States pointed to the role of the attack on Iran in deepening cooperation between Russia and ASEAN

US President Donald Trump's decision to attack Iran has opened up opportunities for Russia to strengthen cooperation with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This was reported by the magazine Responsible Statecraft (RS).

The article notes that in the context of the global energy crisis provoked by the military actions of the United States and Israel against Iran, the Russia—ASEAN summit has acquired a special geostrategic significance. The states of the region are facing serious economic shocks caused by Tehran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. A state of emergency has been declared in the Philippines due to the effects of the Middle East crisis.

"Under normal circumstances, the Russia—ASEAN summit would have gone unnoticed... However, in the context of the global energy crisis caused by the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, this time this meeting had a geostrategic significance," the author of the article emphasizes.

According to RS, Washington refused to provide the necessary support to the affected countries of Southeast Asia. The resulting vacuum was filled by Moscow, which found it much easier to find common ground with regional leaders at the Kazan summit, the magazine said. According to the publication, in the eyes of ASEAN members, the Russian side looks like a more predictable and reliable partner than the United States.

By contributing to a global energy shock, offering only limited assistance to vulnerable Southeast Asian states, and then abruptly resuming sanctions against Russian oil, the Trump administration has created conditions allowing the Kremlin to present itself as a useful and responsive partner.

Southeastern Express: why Russia gathered ASEAN leaders in Kazan

Among other things, Washington's key partner in Asia flew to Vladimir Putin for talks.

The Russia–ASEAN Summit was held in Kazan from 17 to 19 June. As part of the event, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah on June 17. A total of 11 Asian countries participated. The Russian leader noted the commitment of Russia and ASEAN to creating a multipolar world order, and also called for switching to national currencies in settlements between the parties.