Russian President Putin urges de-escalation in call with Iran’s Pezeshkian

In its statement, the Kremlin said Putin reiterated that the crisis should be defused quickly and addressed through diplomacy rather than continued fighting.

• Putin urges de-escalation and diplomacy in Iran conflict talks
• Russia sends humanitarian aid to Iran amid ongoing tensions
• Putin congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader

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Russian President Vladimir Putin called for easing tensions in the Iran conflict during a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the Kremlin.

The discussion came amid escalating hostilities involving Iran and the United States, with Moscow urging a political settlement. In its statement, the Kremlin said Putin reiterated that the crisis should be defused quickly and addressed through diplomacy rather than continued fighting.

Quoting the Kremlin readout, officials said: "The President of Russia reaffirmed his principled position in favour of a speedy de-escalation of the conflict and for it to be resolved through political means," the statement said. Moscow noted that the Russian leader stressed dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path to reduce tensions in the region.

"Pezeshkian thanked Russia for its support, particularly for providing humanitarian aid to Iran," the Kremlin added, noting that Moscow had dispatched assistance to Tehran during the crisis and emphasized continued cooperation between the two countries.

A day earlier, Putin also underscored Moscow’s backing for Tehran, declaring that Russia would continue to stand alongside Iran despite the ongoing confrontation. He said he wished to "confirm unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends," AFP quoted Putin as saying.

Putin also congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei after he was named Iran’s new supreme leader, expressing confidence in his ability to guide the country during a turbulent period. He said he believed Khamenei would continue his father's work "with honour" and unite the Iranian people “in the face of severe trials.”

Earlier, Putin had spoken with President Pezeshkian to convey condolences over the deaths of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of his family, senior political and military figures and “numerous civilians,” according to the Kremlin. The call reflected Russia’s continued engagement with Tehran during the conflict.

Iran on Monday announced that Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late leader Ali Khamenei, would assume the country’s highest authority. Born in 1969 in the holy city of Mashhad in eastern Iran, Mojtaba is one of six children of the former supreme leader.

The development came as regional tensions remained high and Israel warned it could pursue the successor to Iran’s slain leader. Moscow meanwhile reiterated that hostilities should stop and disputes surrounding Iran must not be settled through force.

According to the Kremlin, Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for Russia’s solidarity with the Iranian people as they defend their sovereignty and national independence.