Iran’s Pezeshkian praises Russia’s support during US-Israeli war

What Happened

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan. Pezeshkian thanked Putin for Russia's support '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.' The article describes this as their first meeting since the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran in February, which it calls unprovoked. Putin had earlier pledged to maintain Russia's support for Iran despite US threats against countries maintaining economic ties with Tehran.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The meeting underscores deepening Iran-Russia coordination amid Western sanctions and military pressure. By publicly thanking Putin at a multilateral summit, Pezeshkian signals that Tehran views Moscow as a key diplomatic and economic backer, and that Russia is willing to defy US secondary sanctions threats. This consolidates the anti-Western alignment between Tehran and Moscow, with implications for the UN Security Council, where Russia can shield Iran from further sanctions.

Watch For

Monitor subsequent Russia-Iran bilateral agreements or statements from the SCO summit, including any economic, military, or nuclear cooperation commitments. Watch for US responses to Russia's continued support, including secondary sanctions designations on Russian entities trading with Iran, and any UN Security Council activity where Russia may use its veto. Also monitor for further Iranian statements on the February attack, including any retaliation or escalation involving Israel or US assets.