Overview
- The Kremlin said Putin told Iran's leaders Russia remains a loyal friend and reliable partner as he sent Nowruz congratulations.
- Russian officials condemned U.S. and Israeli strikes as pushing the region to the brink and Putin called the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a cynical murder.
- Some Iranian sources reported they have received little concrete assistance from Moscow despite the public declarations of support.
- The Washington Post previously reported Russia shared intelligence to help Iran target U.S. assets, and Politico reported a proposed quid pro quo that the Kremlin has dismissed as fake.
- Russia’s published partnership with Tehran lacks a mutual defense clause, and Moscow says it opposes Iran developing a nuclear weapon.