BISHKEK: Russian President Vladimir Putin has openly expressed support for Iran amid its ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to maintaining economic and trade relations with Tehran.
Putin made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
According to international media reports, Putin assured his Iranian counterpart of Russia’s support and said Moscow stood with the Iranian people amid the conflict and tensions involving the United States and Israel.
The Russian president also indicated that Moscow would continue its economic and commercial cooperation with Iran despite US sanctions and pressure. He emphasized that the existing political and military tensions would not prevent the two countries from maintaining their bilateral economic and trade relations.
The Iranian presidency said in a statement that the two leaders discussed ways to further expand cooperation between the two countries in several areas.
The meeting comes at a time when Washington has threatened to impose additional sanctions on countries and entities involved in economic cooperation with Iran. Such pressure could potentially affect countries including Russia and China, both of which maintain close political and economic ties with Tehran.
Despite international pressure and sanctions Russia and Iran have expanded cooperation in several strategic sectors in recent years. Their bilateral relationship includes areas such as defense energy trade and regional affairs.
The latest meeting between Putin and Pezeshkian highlights the continuing strategic relationship between Moscow and Tehran at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.
Russia’s decision to maintain economic and trade ties with Iran could further strengthen bilateral relations and demonstrate Moscow’s willingness to pursue its own foreign policy despite pressure from Washington.
The development also comes as Iran continues to face economic restrictions linked to US sanctions. Maintaining access to major trading partners such as Russia and China remains important for Tehran as it seeks to sustain economic activity and international partnerships.
The Putin-Pezeshkian meeting is therefore being viewed as another indication of the close relationship between Russia and Iran and their shared interest in expanding cooperation across economic, political, energy and security-related areas.
With tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel continuing to shape regional and international politics, Russia’s latest position could further influence the evolving geopolitical landscape.
