Vladimir Putin sent his congratulations to Iran during the Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which reinforced Moscow in its position in support of Tehran during the current war in West Asia. The Kremlin said in an official statement that Putin had expressed his desire to Iranian top leadership including Supreme leader Ali Khamenei and president Masoud Pezeshkian.
Putin in his message also showed empathy towards the Iranian people in what he termed a season of great tribulations and pointed out that Russia is a true friend and trusted companion of Iran. His comments are coming at the time when tensions in the region have grown after US-Israel attacks on Iran have started on February 28, leading to an extended conflict.
Russia being a long time strategic ally of Iran has publicly condemned the military action by the United States and Israel. Recent events such as the assassination of one of the senior Iranian security officials during an Israeli airstrike also drew condemnation by Moscow who requested restraint and de-escalation.
Although Russia has not formally declared its direct military aid to Iran it has been able to offer humanitarian aid since the war started. Nonetheless, the US media has reported that Moscow could be leaking military intelligence to Tehran to support its drone and missile missions in the region. The Kremlin has up to this day refused to comment on these allegations.
The state of affairs is highly tensed, with Iran persisting in vengeful attacks on the US and Israeli targets in the Gulf region. The message by Putin also reflects the further diplomatic support of Iran by Russia, despite the overall geopolitical crisis indicating a minimal possibility of alleviation.