MOSCOW (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday, expressing condolences over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and other senior officials during the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against the Islamic Republic.
According to the Kremlin, Putin also conveyed sympathy for the families of those killed and for Iranian civilians who died during the escalation of hostilities.
During the call, the Russian leader reaffirmed Moscow’s position that the conflict must be halted immediately and that military force should not be used to resolve disputes involving Iran or the wider Middle East.
Putin stressed the need for a rapid return to political and diplomatic negotiations and said he remains in constant contact with leaders of countries belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Russia for what he described as solidarity with the Iranian people, who he said are defending the sovereignty and independence of their country.
He also briefed Putin on the latest developments in the conflict as the fighting enters what officials described as a particularly intense phase.
Both sides agreed to continue consultations and maintain communication through various diplomatic channels as the situation evolves.