Iranian President Pezeshkian praises Putin’s support, says Russia and Tehran can resist US ‘unilateralism’ | Today’s news
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday for Moscow’s support for Tehran during the Iran war and for US sanctions, saying Iran and Russia can work together to resist what he called US “unilateralism”.
Pezeshkian said this during a meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. It was the first meeting between the two leaders since the conflict broke out.
“We appreciate and thank you for your positions at every stage, both during the period of fighting and acts of aggression, and under normal circumstances, when the United States imposed sanctions on us, both in the United Nations and in international forums,” Pezeshkian told Putin.
“This shows that our relationship is a strategic relationship; it is not an ordinary relationship,” he added.
Pezeshkian said Moscow and Tehran could work together to counter US “unilateralism” and highlighted the increasingly close ties between the two heavily sanctioned countries.
Putin backs Iran, praises its ‘courage’
In response, Putin said that Russia stands in solidarity with the Iranian people and will continue to support Tehran.
“We admire your courage and resilience in fighting for your national interests,” Putin said, according to Russian media.
The Russian president added that Moscow is “trying to give you the help you need.”
Putin also said Russia and Iran would maintain the momentum of their economic and trade ties despite ongoing military and political tensions.
“Despite the military and political situation, we maintain the momentum of our trade and economic relations from last year,” he said.
Russia and Iran have greatly expanded their military, economic and trade cooperation in recent years, especially as both countries faced extensive Western sanctions.
Pezeshkian signals openness to US ceasefire deal
Pezeshkian’s meeting with Putin came a day after Iran and the United States resumed a firefight after more than a month of relative calm.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pezeshkian said Tehran was ready to return to the June accord aimed at ending the conflict if Washington also returned to its commitments.
“If the United States returns to its commitments” according to the June memorandum, Iran “will immediately take reciprocal measures,” according to the Iranian presidency’s website.
The goal of the agreement was to establish an immediate ceasefire and begin a 60-day period of negotiations towards a broader peace agreement. It included commitments on the Strait of Hormuz, the US naval blockade, sanctions and Iranian oil exports.
However, the deal collapsed after both Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating its terms.
Pezeshkian warned that a renewed US policy of “coercion and threats” could undermine efforts to find a diplomatic solution.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of the confrontation. Tehran maintained restrictions on shipping through the strategic waterway, while Washington imposed a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
The two sides exchanged fire again on Monday, raising fears that the conflict could escalate after weeks of relative calm.
The latest developments have also intensified diplomatic efforts by countries trying to bring Washington and Tehran back to negotiations.
Putin and Pezeshkian meet amid Trump’s warning
The Putin-Pezeshkian meeting came a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to “hit hard” on Iran following a renewed exchange of attacks.
Trump also warned Russia and China against providing military aid to Tehran.
Despite these warnings, Moscow continues to deepen its relations with Iran.
The meeting between Pezeshkian and Putin took place during the SCO summit, which brought together leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The summit also underscored efforts by Moscow and Beijing to push for a more multipolar international order amid tensions with Washington.
Putin told the SCO assembly that the UN Charter should remain a key source of international law, while arguing that new regional structures were becoming part of a “multipolar world”.
Read also | Iran’s economic crisis deepens as US sanctions increase pressure on households
The US pressure campaign continues
The latest diplomatic signals came when US President Donald Trump threatened further military action against Iran after Monday’s shootout.
Trump is also pursuing what Washington describes as a campaign of “economic suffocation” against Iran.
The conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior officials in Iran’s armed forces, according to the account provided.
Iran retaliated with attacks across the region, while the conflict increasingly focused on the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran imposed a blockade on the strategic waterway, while Washington created a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
An April 8 ceasefire ended the most intense phase of fighting, but subsequent attacks and the collapse of the June Framework prevented a lasting peace agreement.
The SCO summit becomes a diplomatic backdrop
The latest meeting between Pezeshkian and Putin took place when leaders from China, Russia and India met at the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan.
The organization is increasingly portrayed as a counterweight to US global influence.
Read also | US-Iran War: Two Oil Supertankers Targeted by Unknown Missiles in Hormuz
