Moscow, March 21 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday reaffirmed Moscow's close ties with Iran, describing Russia as "a loyal friend and reliable partner" during a difficult period, in a message marking Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
In greetings conveyed through the Kremlin, Putin wished the Iranian people "strength to overcome these severe trials with dignity." The message was addressed to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Kremlin said congratulatory messages were sent to the Iranian leadership as part of the Nowruz celebrations, which mark the beginning of the Iranian New Year.
The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions and underscores the deepening strate...