Putin Extends Nowruz Greetings to Iran Amid Conflict

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin extended Nowruz greetings on Saturday to Iran's leadership and people, reaffirming Moscow's commitment as a loyal friend and reliable partner amid the ongoing Middle East conflict that has gripped the region since late February.

The message, delivered on the occasion of the Persian New Year, was addressed to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a Kremlin statement. Putin wished the Iranian people strength in overcoming "these severe trials" and stressed that Russia stands by Tehran during this challenging period. The timing of the statement coincides with heightened tensions, as Iran faces strikes from the United States and Israel, which began on February 28 and have escalated into broader hostilities.

Russia has positioned itself as a longstanding ally to Iran, condemning the initial U.S.-Israeli attacks that triggered the war. Moscow has also voiced strong opposition to specific incidents, including the Israeli airstrike on Wednesday that killed Iranian security chief Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, along with his son Mortaza and...