Vladimir Putin confirms Russia is supplying Iran with equipment amid tensions with US

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, that Moscow is providing equipment and assistance to Iran amid its ongoing tensions with the United States. This marks the first public acknowledgment of such support by the Russian leader. During his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin stated that Russia is seeking to assist Tehran during what he described as a difficult period. "We are supplying you with the necessary equipment," Putin told Pezeshkian. The Russian president did not specify the nature of the equipment or whether it included military supplies, referring only to essential goods and other forms of assistance. In response, Pezeshkian expressed confidence in Iran's position, telling the Russian leader, "I am certain that we will win." The two leaders discussed expanding bilateral collaboration across various sectors, with Putin praising the "courage and resourcefulness" of the Iranian people in defending their interests. Both sides emphasized their continued solidarity and coordination on the international stage, noting the momentum in their economic and trade relations over the past year.