Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed deep condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian following the deaths of civilians, political leaders, and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei amid what Moscow described as ongoing U.S.–Israeli aggression against the Iran.

According to a statement from the Kremlin, Putin conveyed his condolences during a late-night phone call with Pezeshkian on Friday, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities and warning of the dangerous consequences of further escalation across the Middle East.

Russia Urges Immediate End to Hostilities

During the call, Putin stressed that Moscow rejects the use of military force as a means to resolve conflicts in Iran or elsewhere in the region. He reiterated Russia’s support for diplomatic engagement and peaceful negotiations as the only viable path to resolving the crisis.

“Russia stands in solidarity with the Iranian people as they defend their sovereignty and independence,” Putin reportedly told the Iranian president.

The Russian leader also noted that Moscow has been maintaining active diplomatic communication with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council as tensions escalate throughout the Gulf region.

Iran Briefs Russia on Escalating War

During the conversation, President Pezeshkian thanked Russia for its support and provided what officials described as a detailed briefing on the latest developments in the war, which has spread across parts of the Gulf region and beyond.

Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of carrying out military strikes targeting Iranian military and strategic facilities. The attacks, Tehran says, have resulted in significant casualties and damage to infrastructure.

Iran has condemned the strikes as violations of its sovereignty and international law, warning that continued aggression could destabilize the entire region.

Global Impact and Strategic Concerns

The escalating conflict has already produced global repercussions, particularly in energy markets and maritime trade. Shipping activity through the critical Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted, raising concerns about global oil supply and international shipping.

Analysts say Russia is positioning itself as a diplomatic counterweight to Western military involvement in West Asia, using its ties with regional actors to advocate for restraint and a negotiated ceasefire.

Dmitry Medvedev Condemns Assassination

Earlier, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, strongly condemned the killing of Khamenei, describing it as a “barbaric act of force” and a grave violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

In an official statement, Medvedev said the assassination represented a direct attack on the leadership of the Islamic Republic and violated fundamental norms governing international conduct.

“There is and can be no justification for this barbaric act of force,” Medvedev stated, calling the killing a cynical crime committed in violation of international legal principles.

He also sent a telegram of condolences to President Pezeshkian, reiterating Russia’s condemnation of what he described as indiscriminate attacks on Iran that have claimed the lives of leaders and civilians alike, including children.

Rising Tensions in the Region

The conflict surrounding Iran has intensified geopolitical tensions across West Asia, prompting heightened military readiness among neighboring countries and increasing fears of a broader regional war.

Russia’s calls for restraint and diplomacy come as international actors warn that continued escalation could trigger severe economic and security consequences far beyond the region. (ILKHA)