Putin publicly backs Iran, says Russia is ready to help

Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced his backing for Iran, vowing Russia's readiness to "provide necessary assistance" and commending the "courage and resilience" of the Iranian people. The statement came during a meeting between Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The discussion took place two days after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to resume strikes against Iran, following a small-scale exchange of fire.

Pezeshkian stated that if the United States resumed adhering to the memorandum of understanding Trump signed in Versailles on June 17, Tehran would "immediately act in the same way." He also cautioned that a return to a "policy of pressure and threats" by the United States could disrupt diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude to Putin for his position throughout the process, describing their relationship as "strategic, not ordinary."

Putin assured Pezeshkian that Russia was "trying to provide you with the necessary assistance," praising Iran's "courage and resilience" in defending its national interests. Despite the ongoing military and political tensions, Putin maintained that Russia was committed to sustaining the momentum in trade and economic relations that had grown last year.