Former Russian Deputy FM: "Russia lost its influence on Israel"

Former Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Fedorov told al-Jazeera today (Wednesday) that "Russia lost its influence on Israel" and that "there is no possibility to influence Netanyahu personally."

On the other hand, he said Russia's relationship with Iran is becoming stronger as it is signing a 25-year agreement with Iran, a reference to a planned "strategic partnership" agreement, which may bear similarities to the one signed between Iran and China.

Fedorov explained that "Russia needs to keep contact with Iran, Russia needs Iran as an important point in the north-south transport corridor...We cannot be tough on both sides.”

He also said that Russia now fears a clash between Iran and Israel which they believe could destabilize the region and even the world.