Russian, Iranian presidents hail ‘close,’ ‘robust’ relationship

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian proclaimed their “close” ties during a meeting Friday during which Putin said he aims to create a “new world order.”

The two met for the first time in Turkmenistan, during a period of escalating tensions as Iran braces for attacks from Israel following recent missile attacks on Tel Aviv, and as Iran continues to supply weapons for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

“We have many opportunities now, and we must help each other in our relationships,” Pezeshkian told Putin. “Our principles, our positions in the international arena are similar to yours,” he added.

The countries’ communications are being “strengthened day by day and becoming more robust,” Pezeshkian also said, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.

Putin reiterated that their “assessments of current events in the world are often very close,” Russian outlet TASS reported.

In a video from the Kremlin, Putin said he wants to create a “new world order” of Moscow’s allies to “counter” the West.

At the forum, Pezeshkian also called Israel’s attacks against Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon “savage.”

Also in attendance were regional leaders including Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and the heads of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

With Post wires