Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Iranian counterpart in Turkmenistan on Thursday and pledged Moscow's support for efforts to end the US-led war on Iran. The two leaders spoke on the sidelines of a regional summit in Ashgabat. The meeting underscores deepening coordination between Moscow and Tehran as both face continued pressure from Washington. President Vladimir Putin held talks with Iran's president on the sidelines of a regional summit in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Thursday, pledging Russian support for efforts to end the US-led war on Iran. The meeting brought together leaders from across Central Asia and the wider region for annual discussions on trade and security cooperation. Putin's remarks signal continued alignment between Moscow and Tehran, longtime partners on energy, defence and nuclear cooperation, at a time when both governments face sustained pressure from Washington over sanctions and military activity in the region. Russian officials have repeatedly criticised the US military campaign against Iran as destabilising.

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