Putin and Pezeshkian Reaffirm Moscow-Tehran Alliance at SCO Summit
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Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow's support in the war with the United States during their first meeting since the conflict began in February. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1. Pezeshkian said Tehran would immediately reciprocate if Washington returned to the June ceasefire memorandum, while Putin called the truce fragile and pledged continued economic support.
Key Facts
- Pezeshkian thanked Putin for Russia's positions at the United Nations and in international forums during US sanctions on Iran.
- Russia has supplied Iran with satellite images and other intelligence to target US facilities in the Persian Gulf, according to reports.
- The United States attacked Iranian rocket launchers on a small island in the Strait of Hormuz on August 30, prompting Tehran to hit US military targets in Jordan.
- Pezeshkian said Iran would immediately reciprocate if the US returned to its commitments under the June memorandum of understanding.
- Putin said Moscow would maintain economic and trade ties with Tehran and supply needed goods despite the military and political environment.
SCO Summit Meeting
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1. Pezeshkian described Iran's relationship with Russia as strategic and said the two countries can work together to resist US unilateralism. The Russian delegation included Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Aleksei Overchuk, and senior officials responsible for energy, transport, economic development, military-technical cooperation, and nuclear energy.
Ceasefire and Military Tensions
Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending the war, but the deal soon unraveled. Washington has reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and intensified economic pressure, while Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to international maritime traffic. Pezeshkian said Tehran remained ready for diplomacy but only if Washington returned to its obligations under the June agreement. Putin welcomed the June ceasefire signing but said it proved unstable and too fragile.
Bilateral Relations
Putin said Russia stands in solidarity with the Iranian people in their fight for national interests. He stated that Russia and Iran will maintain economic and trade ties despite the current military and political environment. Putin noted that the intergovernmental commission plays an effective role in preserving last year's trade dynamics.
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Putin and Pezeshkian Reaffirm Moscow-Tehran Alliance at SCO Summit
