India, March 7 -- As Israel attacks Iran in a rapidly expanding regional confrontation, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on Russia to use its global diplomatic influence to defend Tehran's sovereignty and legitimate rights amid mounting military pressure from the United States and Israel.

During a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pezeshkian said Iran expects Moscow to use its international standing to support the Iranian people during what Tehran describes as ongoing aggression by Washington and Tel Aviv. The conversation took place as the conflict continues to widen across the Middle East.

According to official statements from Tehran and Moscow, Pezeshkian briefed Putin on the latest developments in the ...