Dim Amor

On giant screens in Moscow, in the heart of Russia's capital, images of surprising support messages for Iran appeared this week, circulated on social media. Prominent among the widespread images was the inscription: "Iran is a brotherly people, and Iran – Russia is with you!", alongside other writings projected on cinema screens in central Moscow. Internet users believe the messages are contemporary, but reality is more complex.

Investigation reveals that the images are indeed authentic, but they date back to November 30, 2022. During that day, support messages for Iran were screened on the "October" cinema screen on Novy Arbat Street, intended to encourage the Iranian national team ahead of their match against the United States as part of the FIFA World Cup then held in Qatar. In practice, the move was far more than innocent sporting support – it revealed the depth of relations between the two countries and Russia's attempt to present a united front against the West.

The Russian message included not only support for Iran, but also an open attack on the United States. After the supportive inscription, an additional message appeared on screen in English: "USA is always little, Iran is always big". This message exposes the real motive behind the Russian move: not just support for Iran, but a deliberate attempt to sting and humiliate the United States.

The irony was revealed when the Russians, in their eagerness to demonstrate support for their new alliance, made a spelling error in the word "Russians" in Russian. This mistake quickly became a target for ridicule on social media, as many users pointed to the gap between Russia's desire to influence and interfere in international politics and the amateurish execution of the move.

The messages in Moscow were not an isolated event, but part of a broader trend of rapprochement between Russia and Iran. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the two countries have deepened their military and economic cooperation. Iran supplied Russia with drones and ammunition for use on the Ukrainian front, while Russia transferred advanced military technologies and diplomatic support in international arenas to Iran.

This alliance deepens as both countries find themselves under heavy Western sanctions. Russia, due to its invasion of Ukraine, and Iran, due to its nuclear program and support for terrorist organizations, are seeking ways to circumvent the economic and diplomatic isolation imposed on them by the West. The result is an alliance of convenience that serves the interests of both countries.

The demonstration of Russian support for Iran during the World Cup was not merely a sporting gesture. It symbolized the establishment of an anti-Western front, where Russia and Iran cooperate with the aim of undermining American and European hegemony. The message "USA is always little, Iran is always big" echoes Russia's policy seeking to challenge the existing world order.

Russia's open support for Iran raises concerns about the near future. When countries with regional and global aspirations unite forces against the West, the implications could be far-reaching. The Russian-Iranian alliance could lead to escalation in the Middle East, strengthening of authoritarian regimes, and damage to international stability.

What began as a demonstration of support at the World Cup has become a window into new geopolitical dynamics. The alliance between Moscow and Tehran, declared on Moscow's screens, represents a real challenge to the West and the liberal international order.

Use of images in accordance with Article 27a'