Putin and Pezeshkian Meet in Bishkek as Russia Reaffirms Support for Iran

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Russia’s support for Iran, saying the strategic partnership between the two countries continues to develop across multiple areas despite a difficult regional security environment.

Speaking at the beginning of a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Putin said Russia-Iran relations were developing in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between the two countries.

Putin praised what he described as Iran’s courage and resilience in defending its national interests and asked Pezeshkian to convey his greetings and support to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.

The Russian president said Moscow had welcomed the Iran-US ceasefire memorandum concluded in June, but added that the ceasefire had proved unstable and fragile. He said Russia had been trying to provide Iran with necessary assistance during the difficult period and was supplying required goods.

Despite military and political tensions, Putin said Russia and Iran had maintained the momentum of trade, economic ties and broader cooperation. He credited the active work of the bilateral intergovernmental commission and highlighted the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union as an important factor supporting economic relations.

Humanitarian and educational cooperation is also expanding. According to Putin, nearly 9,000 Iranian students were studying in Russia during the 2025-2026 academic year, including 802 supported by the Russian federal budget. He said a significant number of Iranian students were pursuing medical education in Russia.

The meeting also covered Russia-Iran strategic relations, bilateral economic cooperation, regional security and other issues of mutual interest.