Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Iranian leaders on Nowruz, according to Kremlin statement. The Kremlin said Moscow remained a loyal friend and reliable partner to Tehran.
The extent of Moscow’s support for Iran is disputed by some Iranian sources who claim little real help from Russia during major crises in Iran since the 1979 revolution.
Putin condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader as “cynical” murder, while Russia says US and Israeli attacks on Iran have thrust Middle East into abyss and triggered global energy crisis. Kremlin dismissed Politico’s report that Moscow proposed a quid pro quo to Washington for sharing intelligence with Iran if Washington ceased supplying Ukraine with intelligence about Russia.
Russia was deprived of an ally when the United States toppled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, though Moscow has benefited from high oil prices triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran.