Wednesday briefing: ​How did Russia become the unexpected beneficiary of the Iran war?

<p>In today’s newsletter: As conflict engulfs Iran, shifting ​global alliances and soaring energy prices are reshaping ​the existing power balances​ that could redefine the next stage of international security </p><p>Good morning. So far, there is only one clear winner from the war in Iran: Russia. Before the US and Israel attacked Tehran in late February, Moscow was preparing deep budget cuts to education and healthcare funding to pay for its invasion of Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year.</p><p>In just over a month of the fighting in Iran, Vladimir Putin’s Russia has experienced a dramatic reversal in fortunes. The global oil price has shot up from a prewar average of $72 to well over $100 per barrel, providing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/12/russia-fossil-fuels-revenue-us-israel-war-iran-data">a financial boost</a> of multi-billions for Moscow that shows little sign of ending.</p><p><em><strong>Middle East </strong></em>| Donald Trump has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/31/trump-launches-tirade-against-european-countries-not-joining-iran-war">launched a tirade</a> against European countries that refused to join his war against Iran, calling out the UK and France.</p><p><em><strong>Military </strong></em>| The UK is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/31/uk-troops-gulf-donald-trump-jibes-british-military-involvement">sending more military support</a> to the Gulf, taking the total deployment to 1,000 troops.</p><p><em><strong>NHS England </strong></em>| Some medicines <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/31/medicines-run-out-weeks-nhs-england">could run out</a> in weeks or even days, NHS England head warns, after supply line shocks.</p><p><em