ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian began talks in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The meeting follows Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, which Israel claims target Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. The two leaders are attending a regional summit in one of the world’s most isolated countries.
Pezeshkian, in a short video published by Russian media, accused Israel of bombing civilians and criticized the West for supporting Israeli actions. Both Iran and Russia have faced Western sanctions—Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and Iran for its nuclear activities and regional influence. Their alliance has deepened, with Tehran reportedly supplying Moscow with military support, furthering cooperation between the two countries.
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The Kremlin noted that the talks between Putin and Pezeshkian will focus on their bilateral relations as well as the broader Middle East situation, which remains volatile. These discussions come ahead of a planned visit by Pezeshkian to Russia for the BRICS summit later this month. His visit follows his inauguration in July after the death of his predecessor in a helicopter crash.
This meeting underscores the increasingly intertwined destinies of Russia and Iran, as both countries confront Western opposition and engage in mutual support across geopolitical arenas.
