MOSCOW: Russian ‌President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Iran’s president over the numerous civilian casualties resulting from “the armed Israeli-American aggression against Iran” and called for an immediate halt to hostilities, the Kremlin said.
In a phone call late on Friday with Iranian President ‌Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin ‌expressed his deep condolences ‌over ⁠the killing of Iranian ⁠Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of Khamenei’s family, Iranian political and military leaders and “numerous civilians.”
“Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s principled stance in favor of an ⁠immediate cessation of hostilities, ‌the rejection of ‌force as a method to solve ‌any issues surrounding Iran or arising ‌in the Middle East, and a swift return to the path of diplomatic resolution,” the Kremlin said.
Putin ‌said he was in constant contact with the ⁠leaders ⁠of Gulf Cooperation Council member states.
“Masoud Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Russia’s solidarity with the Iranian people as they defend their sovereignty and the independence of their country. He also provided a detailed update on the developments during the latest active phase of the conflict,” the Kremlin said.