Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended New Year greetings to Iranian leaders, reaffirming Moscow’s commitment as a “loyal friend and reliable partner” to Tehran. The statement comes amid questions regarding the extent of Russia’s practical support for Iran, particularly as the country faces escalating challenges.
According to sources within Iran, practical assistance from Russia has been limited despite the country facing its most severe crisis since the 1979 revolution that ousted the U.S.-backed Shah, as reported by Reuters.
Putin sent his New Year wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, according to the Kremlin.
The Kremlin stated that Putin wished the Iranian people the ability to “overcome the difficult trials with dignity,” and reiterated that Moscow remains a loyal friend and reliable partner to Tehran during this challenging period.
Russia has asserted that attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran have plunged the Middle East into an abyss and triggered a major global energy crisis. Putin similarly condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader as a “brutal murder.”
According to a report in Politico, Moscow previously offered Washington a deal: the Kremlin would cease sharing intelligence with Iran if the U.S. Stopped providing Ukraine with information about Russia. The U.S. Reportedly rejected the proposal, which the Kremlin has dismissed as false information.
Russia lost an ally when the United States supported the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. However, attacks on its strategic partner, Iran, by the U.S. And Israel have led to a surge in oil prices, benefiting Moscow financially.
The publicly stated strategic partnership between Russia and Iran does not include a mutual defense clause. Moscow has also repeatedly stated its opposition to Iran developing nuclear weapons, citing concerns that it could spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
