Russia has been noticeably absent in the Israel-Iran war, keeping its distance as President Donald Trump mulls strikes against Tehran.

Russia is one of Iran’s closest partners, a rarity for the Middle Eastern nation, which has been made an international pariah through decades of sanctions. Iran came to Russia’s aid in its war with Ukraine, playing a decisive role through supplying the model for its cheap and effective Shahed drones, which Russia has used to significant effect. Despite the warming relations between the two countries, the partnership’s weaknesses have been highlighted over the past week, with Russia failing to play a significant role in coming to Iran’s aid as crippling strikes from Israel batter it.