Putin denies Iran sought military backing from Moscow

Putin also said that finding ways to end hostilities between Iran and Israel would be in the interest of all parties.

19 Jun 2025 09:08am

Participants stand next to a giant screen broadcasting Russia's President Vladimir Putin's address during the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg on June 7, 2024. Westerners are set to be few and far between at Vladimir Putin's landmark business forum, once an emblem of East-West ties, which kicks off on June 18, 2025 in the Russian president's home city of Saint Petersburg. (Photo by Olga MALTSEVA / AFP)

ISTANBUL - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Iran is not seeking military support from Moscow despite heightened tensions with Israel, dismissing the notion of a military alliance between the two countries.

"Iran is not asking us for any military assistance,” he told international news agency executives during a meeting in St. Petersburg.

A missile is fired from Iran toward Israel on June 18, 2025, on the sixth day of fighting between Iran and Israel. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

"Even when we offered to jointly develop air defence systems in the past, there was little interest from the Iranian side,” he added, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

Putin also said that finding ways to end hostilities between Iran and Israel would be in the interest of all parties.

He noted that there are options to address both sides’ concerns, which have been presented to relevant partners.

Putin also confirmed that Russia and Iran have signed a contract to build two additional units at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

"The work is underway. Our specialists are on site -- over 200 people. We have agreed with the Israeli leadership that their safety will be ensured,” he added. - BERNAMA-ANADOLU