By Edvard Chesnokov, a parliamentary correspondent (Moscow)
Roza Chemeris is a foreign policy expert and an experienced Russian politician. In 2017-21, she held a seat at the City Duma (local parliament) of Vladivostok. Since 2021, she has been serving as the deputy at the State Duma, the all-Russian parliament. There, Mrs. Chemeris is the member of the Committee on International Affairs.
Exclusively to United World, the female politician commented on the world-shocking conflict between the USA and Iran and other global issues.
How would you generally assess the ongoing war between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz? Do you think its end is possible in the near future?
Basically, it is important to understand that the military confrontation between the United States and Iran currently has no political solution. As the conflict is growing rapidly, its dynamics and, moreover, even the outcome depend not only on the White House.
It risks escalating into a global and full-scale conflict. Also, we should not forget that at the moment, there is no consensus in the Pentagon on its further development, and this war is unconstitutional [after almost half-a-year military actions of stars-and-stripes against the Islamic Republic, it yet has not been approved by the US Congress — editor’s note].
Probably, US President Trump really expected a repeat of the Venezuelan (or Iraqi) scenario, hoping for a quick capitulation of Tehran. But, contrary to expectations, Iranian society turned out to be monolithic, especially in light of the repulse of a large-scale attack by an external enemy.
In addition, Iran has chosen aggressive retaliatory tactics, effectively attacking American bases around the world. Combined with Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, this becomes a serious threat to the global economy.
Can it be said that Russia supports Iran against the US in this war?
Back in 2025, President Vladimir Putin stated that our countries have historically developed friendly relations, and Russia supports Iran in the fight for its legitimate interests, including peaceful nuclear energy.
Moreover, it is in Russia’s interests to preserve Iran’s current political system. At the same time, our armed forces do not conduct combat operations on the side of Tehran.
On July 25, 2026, Ukraine struck an Iranian commercial ship in the Caspian Sea. How do you assess the fact that Kyiv deliberately targeted a vessel with the Iranian flag?
It is obvious that the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ attack on an Iranian merchant ship in the Caspian basin was deliberate. Official Tehran has already stated that it will do everything possible to bring Kyiv to justice. The Iranian side has evidence and facts, including direct statements by Ukraine’s Zelenskyy, confirming that the attack was planned. Therefore, there is no doubt that the Islamic Republic will take all necessary measures to hold Ukraine accountable and stop such actions in the future.
Can it be said that the wars in Iran and Ukraine are becoming increasingly interconnected?
So far, it is safe to say that there is a definite connection between these two conflicts — and this is the role of US President Trump. He provoked an aggravation of the geopolitical situation, which is increasingly close to catastrophic. Washington’s missteps in both conflicts have dramatically reduced the chances of reaching a negotiable solution.
Do you consider a short-term agreement possible in the war between Russia and the West in Ukraine?
European states will continue to support the Kyiv regime until serious political changes take place in the EU — or until they realize the threat of direct dragging of their countries into this conflict. But, let’s be honest, there are very few such trends so far.
In connection with the wars in Ukraine and Iran, the possibility of a nuclear scenario is frequently raised. Do you consider these claims realistic?
As everyone remembers, the Russian nuclear doctrine allows the use of nuclear weapons in response to massive air or space strikes, as well as in case of aggression against Russia or Belarus. In other words, Russia may use nuclear weapons to defend itself and its allies.
For exactly this reason, it is better for the United States not to use nuclear weapons against Iran: Russia can respond symmetrically against Ukraine, but this would be the worst scenario that needs to be avoided.