Putin Praises Iranian People’s Courage and Resilience Amid US-Israel Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised what he described as the courage, heroism and resilience of the Iranian people amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, saying the developments have drawn close attention around the world.

Speaking at the annual Valdai Discussion Club meeting in Moscow, Putin said the international community was closely following events in Iran and had been struck by the resilience shown by the Iranian population.

Putin also referred to Iran’s leadership and military establishment, saying there were senior figures prepared to make sacrifices for their country.

The Russian president has repeatedly expressed support for closer strategic relations between Moscow and Tehran. Russia and Iran have expanded their political, economic and military cooperation while both countries face extensive Western sanctions.

During the same Valdai meeting, Putin also warned that Russia could consider using all types of weapons at its disposal if its Kaliningrad exclave were directly attacked.

Putin said such a situation would bring the question of using Russia’s available weapons onto the agenda, while stressing that Moscow had no intention of attacking European countries.

Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea bordered by Poland and Lithuania. Putin’s remarks came amid heightened tensions surrounding NATO military activity in the Baltic region.

The Russian president has also said Moscow remains interested in maintaining strategic ties with Iran and supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.