But they are not in lockstep, as Russia and Iran will use each other when needed.  “Iran summons Russian ambassador over comments on Persian Gulf territorial dispute in a rare spat,” AP, 7-12-23.  Russia made its point “after a meeting in Moscow between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. In the statement, the ministers affirmed their support for efforts “to reach a peaceful solution to the issue of the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice,” according to the Saudi Press Agency. Iran took control the three islands after British forces withdrew in 1971 and considers them an “inseparable” part of its territory. The United Arab Emirates also claims the three islands and has long pressed for a negotiated solution. The three islands dominate the approach to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Iran says the islands have been part of Persian states from antiquity up until they were occupied by the British in the early 20th century. It also says an agreement reached with Sharjah, one of the UAE’s seven emirates, gives it the right to administer Abu Musa and station troops there. There is no such agreement on the other two islands. The UAE says they belonged to the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah until Iran seized them by force days before the Emirati federation was formed.”