Putin offers help to Iran to end ME war

ASHGABAT, Oct 9: Russia's President Vladimir Putin vowed on Thursday to "do everything" to help end the Middle East war when he met Iranian counterpart MasoudPezeshkian for talks ahead of a regional summit, Russian media reported.

The leaders of two of the world's most sanctioned nations met after arriving in Turkmenistan for a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) that starts on Friday in the Caspian Sea resort of Avaza.

"We are ready to do everything that is in our power to contribute to the settlement of this situation," said Putin.

He added that Iran had made "real efforts to end the war" since US-Israeli attacks started on February 28, according to Russian news agencies.

Putin also noted the "positive evolution" in Iran-Russia relations.

The two countries have reinforced diplomatic and military links since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, becoming increasingly reliant on each other.

Kyiv and Western countries have accused Iran of supplying Russia with Shahed drones and short-range missiles to pummel Ukraine.

Russia has been accused of supplying data to Iran for its attacks on US targets in the Middle East.

Putin and Pezeshkian also met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan last month. And in a call on Wednesday, Putin told Pezeshkian that he was ready to help mediate in the Middle East war, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported.�" AFP