MOSCOW, March 7 (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to his Iranian counterpart over the “Israeli-U.S. armed aggression against Iran” that has caused numerous civilian casualties and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the Kremlin said.
In a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian late on Friday, Putin expressed his deep condolences over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of the Khamenei family, Iran’s political and military leaders and “numerous civilians.”
“Vladimir Putin reiterated Russia’s principled position to support an immediate cessation of hostilities, reject the use of force as a solution to any problems arising around Iran or in the Middle East, and to quickly return to the path of diplomatic solutions,” the Kremlin said.
Putin said he was in constant contact with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states.
“Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude to Russia for its solidarity with the Iranian people as they defend their sovereignty and national independence. He also provided a detailed update on developments in the latest active phase of the conflict,” the Kremlin said.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and William Mallard)
