Vladimir Putin voices full solidarity with Iran in meeting with Masoud Pezeshkian

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan, declaring full solidarity with the people of Iran and praising their "courage and resilience" in defending national interests. Putin also conveyed his regards to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei. Pezeshkian described the bilateral relationship as "strategic" and expressed gratitude for Russia's stance against U.S. sanctions. Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, a former NATO commander, told Fox News that Russia and Iran "need each other desperately." He noted that Russia relies on Iran for missile production, while Iran requires Russian targeting and intelligence capabilities. Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), stated that Russia views Iran as a "cudgel" against the U.S., while Tehran sees Moscow as a lifeline for military, economic, and political support at the UN Security Council. Breedlove characterized the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict as a "test of will" rather than a purely military one, suggesting that Iran aims to survive the confrontation by threatening the Strait of Hormuz.