Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed their countries’ strategic alliance on September 1, 2026, during a bilateral meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as the two nations deepen cooperation amid the ongoing US-Iran war.
Putin told Pezeshkian that “Russia stands in solidarity with the people of Iran” and praised Tehran’s “courage and resilience in defending your national interests,” according to statements from the Kremlin. The Russian leader pledged that Moscow and Tehran will maintain their economic and trade relationship despite the current military tensions.
Pezeshkian responded by thanking Putin for Russia’s backing throughout the conflict and the sanctions imposed on Iran. “We can resist US unilateralism,” Pezeshkian told Putin, according to Russian state media, adding that Washington had “no right” to impose sanctions or violate international law.
The meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since the US-Iran war began in February 2026. According to statements following the talks, Putin and Pezeshkian discussed expanding collaboration across economic development, military-technical cooperation, and nuclear energy—areas covered under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed in January 2025.
The alliance between Moscow and Tehran has deepened significantly during the conflict. In June 2026, U.S. military officials confirmed that Russia has been aiding Iran during the war, with backing that includes expanded military support. Pezeshkian emphasized during the meeting that within multilateral frameworks like the SCO, Iran and Russia could work together to neutralize sanctions and coordinate on shared strategic interests.
Putin’s public expression of solidarity came just days after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new economic pressure campaign against Iran. The timing underscores the strategic importance both Moscow and Tehran place on their partnership as they navigate Western pressure and the broader geopolitical realignment reshaping the Middle East and beyond.
Sources
- Al Jazeera — Iran and Russia’s statements vowing to resist US unilateralism and sanctions
- RFE/RL — Putin and Pezeshkian’s bilateral meeting at SCO summit, discussion of economic and military cooperation
- Washington Post — Putin’s pledge of support to Iran and Treasury Secretary Bessent’s economic pressure campaign
- Times of India — Pezeshkian’s statement that “we can resist US unilateralism” and rejection of US sanctions authority
- MEI (Middle East Institute) — Confirmation of Russia’s military aid to Iran during the 2026 war
