Putin declares open solidarity with Iran, vows to maintain trade ties amid US–Israel pressure
BISHKEK — Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly affirmed Russia’s solidarity with Iran, stating Moscow supports Tehran against U.S. and Israeli pressure and will continue economic and trade relations despite ongoing sanctions and regional tensions.Speaking on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in BishkeK, Kyrgyzstan, Putin told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that…
BISHKEK — Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly affirmed Russia’s solidarity with Iran, stating Moscow supports Tehran against U.S. and Israeli pressure and will continue economic and trade relations despite ongoing sanctions and regional tensions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in BishkeK, Kyrgyzstan, Putin told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that “Russia stands in solidarity with the Iranian people” and is working to provide necessary support during difficult times. He praised Iran’s “courage and resilience” in defending its national interests and asked Pezeshkian to convey his regards to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Pezeshkian thanked Putin for Moscow’s backing at the UN and in other international forums, arguing that the United States has no legal basis to impose unilateral sanctions. Both leaders described bilateral ties as developing at a “steady pace” under their existing strategic partnership framework, with cooperation expanding across multiple sectors.
On the economic front, Putin reiterated that Russia would maintain trade and commercial links with Iran, covering areas such as agriculture, raw materials and energy. Bilateral trade stood at around $3.2 billion in the first half of 2026, while a new free-trade arrangement with the Eurasian Economic Union is expected to further boost exchanges.
