Retired U.S. Navy Top Gun fighter pilot Matthew “Whiz” Buckley has argued that Russia’s backing of Iran is a major factor prolonging the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, suggesting that the war could end much sooner if Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to stop supporting Tehran.
Speaking during an interview FROM 7:35 on Fox News on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Buckley claimed that Iran has not been acting alone in its military operations, alleging that Moscow has been providing intelligence and support that has strengthened Tehran’s capabilities.
According to Buckley, the precision of recent attacks on U.S. military facilities in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait indicates external assistance, which he believes is coming from Russia. He argued that the conflict has evolved beyond a direct confrontation with Iran, describing it as one in which Moscow is indirectly involved through its support for Tehran.
Drawing a comparison with U.S. assistance to Ukraine, Buckley noted that Washington has supplied intelligence to Kyiv in its war against Russia, while Moscow is now providing similar support to Iran.
He argued that Russia holds significant influence over the duration of the conflict, saying, “If Vladimir Putin said, ‘No more weapons, you’re done,’ this thing would end a lot quicker than it is.” Buckley, however, acknowledged that he does not expect such a move from the Russian leader anytime soon.
The retired fighter pilot maintained that Tehran’s military capabilities would be substantially weakened if Russian assistance were withdrawn, making it more difficult for Iran to sustain the conflict….See More