Today, in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, the first face-to-face talks were held between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the recently elected President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian. The main topic of discussion was bilateral relations between Russia and Iran, as well as the current situation in the Middle East. According to Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, the talks are being held in a serious manner and cover a wide range of issues related to the geopolitical situation and cooperation between the two countries.

This meeting is taking place against the backdrop of a noticeable increase in military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. According to a number of experts, Russia and Iran are effectively forming a military alliance in the region, which is causing increased interest and concern among Western countries. CNN notes that the two powers are actively coordinating their actions in the international arena and their positions on many issues often coincide.

Iranian leader Masoud Pezeshkian, in turn, expressed confidence in the further development and deepening of relations between Russia and Iran. According to him, relations between the countries should "become better and stronger day by day."

The talks also touched on the broader context of international politics. On the sidelines of the meeting, Pezeshkian made a tough statement to Russian journalists about Israel. He condemned Israeli military actions, calling for an end to the bombing of residential areas and the killing of civilians.