Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Russia stands with Iran.
“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, as per TRT World. Pezeshkian added, “This shows that our relationship is a strategic relationship; it is not an ordinary relationship.”
A separate statement published on the Kremlin’s website recorded Putin as saying, according to a translation, “As I have said many times, in Russia we stand in solidarity with the Iranian people. We admire your courage and perseverance in the struggle for their national interests. Please say hi and words of sincere support to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic Mojtabe Hosseini Khamenei.” Putin added that Russia is trying to supply Iran with the “necessary goods.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Iran’s relationship with Russia while speaking with NBC News’ Kristen Welker on Meet the Press in March. Asked whether Russia is assisting Iran, Araghchi said, as per The Hill, “A military cooperation between Iran and Russia is not something new. It’s not a secret. It has been in the past, and it’s still there, and will continue in the future.” He noted that Russia is “helping us in many different directions.”
President Trump indicated in July that Russia and China both agreed not to sell weapons to Iran.
