Putin on Iran, Israel

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to exercise restraint and avoid targeting Israeli civilians in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. This message was conveyed by Sergei Shoigu during his meetings with Iranian officials, where they discussed the potential military cooperation, including Iran's request for Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets. Shoigu condemned Haniyeh's killing as a 'very dangerous assassination' and emphasized the need to prevent further escalation into a broader Middle Eastern conflict. Iranian officials have indicated a desire to retaliate, with warnings that a significant response could lead to widespread violence. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have expressed concerns about the potential for major regional conflict depending on Iran's actions. Russia's ongoing military and intelligence cooperation with Iran has intensified since the Ukraine war, highlighting the geopolitical complexities in the region.