Vladimir Putin to Meet Iranian Leader Pezeshkian in Turkmenistan

Photo : Reuters

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, as reported by local media outlets from both Iran and Russia on Friday. The meeting will take place amid heightened tensions following Israel's recent bombings in Lebanon, targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The anticipated discussion between the two leaders coincides with an international summit commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy, an 18th-century poet and thinker. This summit will gather leaders from over ten countries, as well as representatives from various international organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and UNESCO.

During their meeting, President Putin is expected to address bilateral relations with Pezeshkian, alongside the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia. Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov mentioned that additional bilateral meetings could take place on the sidelines of the summit.

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Prior to traveling to Turkmenistan, Pezeshkian was reported to have left Tehran for Ashgabat. In addition to his meeting with Putin, he is also set to engage with his counterparts from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

This diplomatic engagement follows a recent visit to Iran by Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who met with Pezeshkian and First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.

Despite a history of geopolitical rivalry, Iran and Russia have found common ground, particularly in their collaboration concerning the war in Ukraine. Reports from the United States confirmed that Iran has been supplying Russia with Fath 360 close-range ballistic missiles since September 2022. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder indicated that these missiles have a range of about 75 miles, allowing Russia to conserve more advanced missile systems for other uses.

Furthermore, the Iranian military has been involved in training Russian personnel on the operation of the Fath 360 missile system, with dozens of Russian military members reportedly receiving this training in Iran. While the specifics of their arrangement remain undisclosed, speculation suggests that intelligence sharing, particularly regarding nuclear programs and advanced technologies, could be part of the exchange.

Iran has expressed interest in acquiring advanced Russian military technology, including Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 air defense systems, as part of its ongoing military collaboration with Russia.

The upcoming summit in Ashgabat is titled "Interconnection of Times and Civilizations: The Foundation of Peace and Development," emphasizing a collective commitment to fostering peace and development in the region. As the world watches, the outcomes of the meetings between Pezeshkian and Putin could play a crucial role in shaping future relations between Iran and Russia, as well as their positions on broader geopolitical issues.