Putin Pledges Russia's Support to End US-Led War on Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Turkmenistan on June 14, 2024, ahead of a regional summit, where Putin pledged Russia's support to end what he described as a "US-led war on Iran." The meeting, held in Ashgabat, focused on bilateral relations and regional security issues, with both leaders expressing a desire for increased cooperation.

Putin's statement regarding a "US-led war" on Iran refers to the ongoing tensions and sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran, particularly concerning its nuclear program and regional activities. Russia has consistently opposed US unilateral actions and has sought to strengthen its ties with Iran as a counterweight to Western influence. This pledge of support signals a continued alignment between Moscow and Tehran on foreign policy matters, especially in challenging US global dominance.

The two presidents discussed various aspects of their strategic partnership, including economic cooperation, energy, and defense. They emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the Caspian Sea region and coordinating efforts to combat terrorism. The meeting underscored the growing geopolitical significance of the Russia-Iran axis, which has become more pronounced since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the subsequent imposition of Western sanctions on Russia.

President Raisi, in turn, highlighted the strong historical ties between Iran and Russia and expressed his country's readiness to expand cooperation in all fields. He reiterated Iran's stance on respecting national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, implicitly criticizing the US approach to international relations. The leaders agreed to continue regular consultations to address regional and global challenges.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 6th Caspian Summit, which brought together leaders from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. The summit aimed to foster cooperation among the littoral states and address issues related to the Caspian Sea's legal status, environmental protection, and economic development. Putin's bilateral meeting with Raisi, however, took center stage, signaling the deepening strategic alliance between Russia and Iran amidst a complex international landscape.