Vladimir Putin visits Iran in first trip outside former Soviet Union since invading Ukraine

“World events show that Iran and Russia need to strengthen mutual cooperation,” he said in a statement.

Referring to Putin’s war in Ukraine, Khamenei also said the expansion of the Western security alliance NATO must be “stopped.”

“NATO is a dangerous entity. The West is completely opposed to a strong, independent Russia. “If it hadn’t been stopped in Ukraine, it would have started a similar war in Crimea later on.”

Russia’s ties to Iran have alarmed Western officials as Putin prepares to intensify ground attacks in eastern Ukraine after his troops captured the Luhansk region.

The National Security Council’s coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby told CNN: “Russia’s turn to Iran for help speaks volumes to the extent to which both countries, regarding their actions in the different regions of the world, increasingly isolated by the international community” last week.

Robert Malley, the US Special Envoy for Iran, told CNN on Monday that the possibility of restoring the 2015 agreement “diminished day by day.”

Putin thanks Erdogan for mediator role

Among the topics of discussion between Putin and Erdogan was the issue of grain exports from Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of blocking shipments of more than 20 million tons of grain.

Putin thanked Erdogan for his efforts to mediate between the two countries. “With your reconciliation, we have moved forward,” he said. “However, not all problems have been resolved. But what has happened is good.”

Mr. Erdogan said that diplomatic dialogues between the two countries continued.

“It’s a big advantage that we can do so,” Erdogan said, adding that given Turkey’s role as a mediator, he “believes that Russia’s approach continues to be positive.” .”

“I would like to reiterate once again that we will freeze the process if they do not take the necessary steps to meet our conditions,” Erdogan said Monday after a cabinet meeting.

He opposed this expansion at last month’s NATO summit – a major diplomatic breakthrough that dealt a blow to Putin.

Khamenei warns Erdogan to stop military operation in Syria

Before the summit, Iran’s Khamenei warned Erdogan against starting a military operation in northern Syria, state news agency IRNA also reported.

“A military strike in the north of Syria would harm Turkey and benefit the terrorists,” Khamenei told Erdogan in Tehran.

Erdogan had earlier threatened to launch a new military offensive to push back Syrian Kurdish fighters belonging to the YPG, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization.

“This move will certainly harm Syria, Turkey and the region and it will not produce the political action expected by the Syrians,” Khamenei warned.

“The Syria issue should be resolved through negotiations and Iran, Turkey, Syria and Russia will conduct discussions on this,” he added.

Raisi also called on foreign forces to leave Syria and blamed the instability on “US occupation forces.”

“We believe that only the Syrian state should make decisions about its internal affairs, without the interference of other countries,” he said.

The only possible solution to the Syrian conflict is a political one, he said, adding that military action would make the security situation worse.