Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the first time since the onset of U.S.-Israeli military strikes on February 28, according to the Kremlin and reported by the Russian state news agency TASS.
During their conversation, Putin expressed condolences regarding the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the civilian casualties resulting from the conflict. He also mentioned his ongoing communication with leaders of Gulf Arab states.
The specifics of the discussion between the two leaders were not disclosed by the Kremlin. However, it has been reported that Russia is providing Iran with intelligence on the locations and movements of U.S. military assets, including ships and aircraft, utilizing satellite data.
U.S. intelligence has indicated that this support may have facilitated Iranian strikes on temporary U.S. military installations in the Gulf region. Notably, on March 1, Iran targeted a U.S. military facility in Kuwait with a drone strike, resulting in the deaths of six individuals.
Caroline Levitt, spokesperson for U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that the administration is not concerned about Russia’s potential assistance to Iran in these military actions.
Military Operations by Israel and the U.S.
On February 28, Israel launched attacks on Tehran, prompting President Trump to announce the initiation of a “major combat operation” against Iran, aimed at eliminating perceived threats posed by the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The stated objectives of the military operation include dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities, as well as preventing further destabilization in the region.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that it has launched missiles and drones toward Israel and has attacked U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the escalating military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked on the need to provide Iranians with an opportunity to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and to guarantee safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Subsequently, on March 1, the IRGC declared the commencement of its “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases.
Trump urged the Iranian regime to abandon its military plans and warned of a “very strong response” if they proceed. On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating.
On March 3, sources from Iran International reported that the Assembly of Experts in Iran had elected a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
On March 6, President Trump emphasized the necessity for a complete overhaul of Iran’s leadership, stating he has several candidates in mind for a “good leader.”
The conversation between Putin and Pezeshkian follows significant military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Intelligence sharing between Russia and Iran has raised concerns in Washington, while international calls for dialogue and stability continue amidst escalating tensions.
Source: TASS