ALWAGHT- According to Russia's defense minister, Moscow and Tehran can be relied upon to stand by each other amid the circumstances resulting from Washington's illegal aggression targeting Iran.
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov met with Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaei-Nik in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday. Belousov affirmed that Moscow and Tehran would support each other "as before under any development of the situation." The meeting took place amid an illegal US blockade of Iranian vessels and ports, despite President Trump's announcement and subsequent unilateral prolongation of a ceasefire earlier in April.
The Islamic Republic has denounced the US blockade as a continuation of American aggression following 40 days of unprovoked American-Israeli attacks on Iranian soil. Belousov expressed support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, wished resilience for the Iranian people and armed forces, and stated that Russia advocates for resolving the conflict exclusively through diplomatic means. The Iranian official, in turn, appreciated Moscow's support in international forums and its commitment to strengthening bilateral and defense cooperation.
Iran responded to the aggression with a resolute retaliatory strike and simultaneously closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz to enemies and their allies. Tehran has negated rejoining negotiations with Washington as long as the blockade remains. Russia has consistently expressed full support for Iran's reprisal, with its representative in Vienna recently stating that Washington's long-standing policy of negotiating through military threats and illegal sanctions has failed against the Islamic Republic.
