Putin reaffirms support for Iran, vows continued economic ties

• Pezeshkian thanked Moscow for its stance on US actions and sanctions, stressing the importance of continued strategic cooperation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday, where he reaffirmed Moscow’s support for Tehran and its commitment to maintaining close economic ties, Iranian state media reported. 

During the talks, Putin said Russia would continue to strengthen trade and economic cooperation with Iran despite mounting external pressure and rising tensions in the region.

“The Russian people stand in solidarity with the people of Iran in fighting for their interests,” Putin told Pezeshkian.

Pezeshkian thanked Moscow for its position on US military actions and sanctions against Iran, stressing the importance of continued strategic cooperation between the two countries.

"We appreciate and thank you for your positions at every stage, both during the period when the fighting and acts of aggression were taking place and under normal circumstances, when the United States was imposing sanctions on us, both at the United Nations and in international forums," Pezeshkian told Putin at a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, including recent US strikes on Iranian positions and escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Both leaders reaffirmed plans to expand bilateral trade, strengthen energy cooperation and develop financial mechanisms outside Western banking systems.

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