Putin Offers Support to Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Turkmenistan on Thursday, where he expressed Russia's willingness to assist in ending the United States-led conflict involving Iran, according to Russian news agencies. Putin stated, "You know our position. On our part, we are ready to do everything we can to help you resolve this situation," as reported by Interfax. He acknowledged Iran's efforts to address the conflict, which he claimed arose through no fault of its own. Putin also highlighted a "positive evolution" in the relationship between Iran and Russia. In a prior call on Wednesday, Putin indicated that Moscow is prepared to mediate in efforts to resolve the war in the Middle East, as reported by Iran’s IRNA news agency. The two leaders previously met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan last month. Both nations, facing significant Western sanctions, have strengthened their diplomatic and military ties. Last year, they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty covering various areas including trade and military cooperation. Ukraine and Western nations have accused Iran of providing Russia with drones and missiles for use in the Ukraine conflict, while Russia has been accused of supplying intelligence to Iran for its operations against US targets in the Middle East. This meeting coincides with stalled talks between the US and Iran. US President Donald Trump stated that the US will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, mentioning that discussions about ending the war are ongoing. Diplomatic efforts to address Russia's actions in Ukraine also seem to be at a standstill, with both sides escalating their military actions.