Russian defence minister meets Iranian deputy defence minister
Moscow pledges support and urges diplomacy
Russia’s defense minister assured Iran of enduring support amid what Moscow called unlawful U.S. aggression, telling Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaei‑Nik that the two countries would back each other “as before under any development of the situation,” during talks in Bishkek, according to TASS.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of an alleged U.S. naval blockade of Iranian vessels and ports, which Tehran condemns as a breach of a recently declared ceasefire; Iran says it responded to attacks with retaliatory strikes and temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz to adversaries.
Moscow reiterated support for Iran’s sovereignty and urged a diplomatic resolution, pledging to help de‑escalate and strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, while Russian envoys criticized U.S. tactics of coercion and urged Washington to abandon threats and sanctions if it seeks engagement.
Meanwhile Iran told the United Nations Security Council that any disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters is the fault of the United States and its allies, accusing them of turning the strategic waterway into a dangerous, militarized zone.
Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani said Washington’s and Israel’s “unwarranted” aggression since February 28, along with a U.S. naval blockade and seizures of Iranian vessels, violate international law and threaten maritime security.
