Russian, Iranian presidents discuss crisis, agree to maintain diplomatic contacts

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, the Kremlin press service reports.

This was their first conversation since the beginning of the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

“President Putin once again expressed his deep condolences over the killing of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, members of his family, and representatives of the country’s military-political leadership, as well as the numerous civilian casualties resulting from the Israeli-American armed aggression against Iran,” the Kremlin stated.

Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s position on the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return as soon as possible to the path of political-diplomatic resolution. He noted that he remains in constant contact with the leaders of the countries that are members of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

In turn, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude to the Russian leader for Russia’s solidarity with the Iranian people.

“Masoud Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for Russia’s support of the Iranian people, who are defending the sovereignty and independence of their homeland, and provided detailed information on the developments during the current acute phase of the conflict,” the Russian side reported.

The presidents of Russia and Iran agreed to continue Moscow-Tehran contacts through various channels.