Putin Meets Iran's Pezeshkian in Turkmenistan

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday in Turkmenistan, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral ties and the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The meeting comes amid heightened tensions following Iran's missile strikes against Israel and ongoing Israeli bombardments in Lebanon targeting Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Putin's aide, Yury Ushakov, emphasized the significance of this meeting, especially against the backdrop of worsening regional dynamics. This will mark the first time the two leaders meet, following a recent visit by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to Iran. The meeting is part of a series of engagements between the two nations, which have strengthened their alliance in response to Western sanctions and geopolitical shifts. Additionally, Iran's foreign ministry recently commemorated the one-year anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks, framing them as a pivotal moment in the Palestinian struggle against Israel.