Russian President Vladmir Putin praised Iran’s assistance over the past year, following his meeting with Iranian Leader Ebrahim Raisi. The leaders held bilateral talks, pointing out that Moscow and Tehran shared similar views on many international issues, including that of the ongoing war in Gaza. They both agree that cooperation between the two countries is of utmost importance as they look to restructure the power dynamic and shift away from their anti-American ideologies.
Putin highlighted the extent of the ties between Moscow and Tehran on Russian Television, noting that relations between the two states “are developing very well”. Putin also addressed his “best wishes” to the Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei, saying “Thanks to his support, we have gained good momentum over the past year”. Discussions into big infrastructure projects, cooperation in the energy sectors and the ongoing conflict in Gaza were touched on but only behind closed doors.
Russia and Iran are said to sign an agreement on the creation of a free trade zone between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union, under the auspices of Russia and grouping former Soviet republics. An expected arms deal is also on the cards, as rumors include the purchase of fighter jets for Iran and ballistic missiles for Russia is set to be penned closer to the end of the year. This is the first time since 1990 that Iran has purchased fighter jets, which could upend the balance of power in the middle east, and overshadow Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Iran has been accused in the past of helping Russia continue war on Ukraine, supplying them mostly with kamikaze drones for airstrikes. Ironically, Raisi went on to talk about how Israel needs to stop the bombing in Gaza, saying “This matter today is a problem not only for our region, but also for all humanity”, according to an official Russian translation of his remarks. Raisi further went on to elaborate that he thinks Israel is committing genocide, with Putin claiming that he is better equipment to mediate the situation in the Middle East. The Russian president also cast the Israel-Hamas war as a failure of US diplomacy.
