TEHRAN- President Vladimir Putin of Russia used the occasion of the Persian New Year to reaffirm Moscow’s commitment to Tehran, describing the two nations as loyal allies facing shared challenges.

In a message to Iran’s Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Putin said Russia is a “loyal ally and partner” to the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to a readout of the message published by the Kremlin. He expressed hope for a successful resolution to the current U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, and assured Iranians of Russia’s support during these difficult times. 

The outreach follows months of deepening ties between the two countries, which signed and ratified a strategic cooperation pact in early 2025. Since the onset of the ongoing Israeli-American military aggression against Iran in late February, Russia has consistently condemned Washington and Tel Aviv and offered to help ease regional tensions.