MBABANE: President Vladimir Putin says Russia remains Iran’s “loyal friend”, he expressed full support for the Islamic Republic as it fights off United States (US) and Israeli attacks, The New York Post reported.
“Vladimir Putin wished the Iranian people strength in overcoming these severe trials and emphasized that during this difficult time, Moscow remained a loyal friend and reliable partner of Tehran,” the Kremlin said in a public message to congratulate Iranians on the Persian New Year- known as Nowruz - Friday.
But President Putin’s remarks are one of the first public shows of support for the Iranian regime since the war in Iran broke out with airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with winners of the Leaders of Russia national management competition at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia March 12, 2024. Photo by Sputnik/Sergei Savostyanov/Pool via REUTERS).