World

Putin Offers Russia’s Support to End US‑Led Conflict Over Iran

By AFP and Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Russia will "do everything" to help end the United States‑led war on Iran, Interfax reported. The leaders met in Turkmenistan on Thursday ahead of the Commonwealth of Independent States summit. Putin said, "You know our position. On our part, we are ready to do everything we can to help you resolve this situation," and added that Iran is making real efforts to end a conflict that broke out through no fault of its own. He also noted a "positive evolution" in Iran‑Russia relations. In a Wednesday call, Putin told Pezeshkian that Moscow is prepared to mediate efforts to end the war in the Middle East, IRNA reported. The two presidents had also met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan last month. The countries, both under heavy Western sanctions, have strengthened diplomatic and military ties. Last year they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty covering trade, military cooperation, science, culture and education. Ukraine and Western countries accuse Iran of supplying Russia with Shahed drones and short-range missiles for use in the Ukraine war, while Russia is accused of providing data to Iran for attacks on US targets in the Middle East. The meeting came as Iran‑US talks appear at an impasse; US President Donald Trump said the US will not launch an attack on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, noting that the two countries are holding "productive" talks about ending the ongoing war. Diplomatic efforts to resolve Russia’s offensive in Ukraine also appear deadlocked, even as both sides intensify attacks.