Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to support Iran and stand against U.S. sanctions on Tuesday during a summit aimed at rivaling America’s global influence. Putin stated that Russia was working to provide Tehran with necessary assistance and essential goods.
"During this difficult period, we are striving to provide you with the necessary assistance — as we have discussed — and are supplying you with essential goods," Putin told his Iranian counterpart, President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the Kremlin. The meeting took place at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan.
Pezeshkian criticized the sanctions affecting his country, drawing parallels to those imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. He urged for collaborative efforts between Iran and Russia to undermine these penalties.
"They do not have the right to impose sanctions whenever they please, violate international law, and then commit acts of aggression," Pezeshkian stated, according to the Kremlin readout. "We believe — and are confident — that in this way we can counter U.S. unilateralism and the unjust sanctions imposed upon us."
Russia has reportedly been aiding Iran in its conflict with the U.S., including providing satellite target assistance for retaliatory strikes on Middle East military bases. Moscow has also been accused of supplying Iran with parts for drones, missiles, and explosives, while Iran had previously provided Russia with Shahed suicide drones used in Ukraine.
These discussions occurred as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated aims to "asphyxiate" the Iranian government with sanctions until a deal is reached with President Trump. Bessent has threatened to seize offshore bank accounts and luxury properties linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Despite the alliance with Russia against U.S. sanctions, Pezeshkian also indicated Iran's willingness to return to negotiations with the U.S. to reach a peace deal. He claimed that Iran would "immediately take reciprocal action" if the U.S. agreed to uphold the terms of a June memorandum of understanding.