Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to match any US move to return to a June deal aimed at ending hostilities between the two nations. Speaking at an international summit, Pezeshkian thanked Russia's Vladimir Putin for Moscow's support during the ongoing conflict. The summit, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, brought together leaders from Russia, China, India, and other nations. The deal, intended to set the stage for final peace talks, has collapsed as both sides accused each other of violating its terms.
Pezeshkian told the summit that if the United States returns to the deal, Iran 'will immediately take reciprocal action', according to the Iranian presidency's website. He warned that a return by the United States to 'a policy of pressure and threats' risked derailing diplomatic efforts to end the war. Pezeshkian later met with Putin, expressing gratitude for Russia's stance on the conflict and describing their relationship as'strategic'.
Russia and Iran, both under massive international sanctions, have deepened their military and trade ties amid Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Putin assured Pezeshkian that Russia was 'trying to provide you with the assistance you need' and praised Iran's 'courage and resilience in the fight for your national interests'. Despite the military and political situation, Putin noted that trade and economic relations between the two countries were maintaining momentum from the previous year.
FAQs
Q: What is the June deal that Iran and the US are referring to? A: The June deal was an agreement aimed at ending months of hostilities between Iran and the United States. It was intended to set the stage for final peace talks, but it has since collapsed due to mutual accusations of violations.
Q: Why is Russia's support important for Iran? A: Russia's support is crucial for Iran as both countries are under massive international sanctions. Their strategic relationship has deepened, particularly in military and trade ties, amid Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Q: What are the key points of contention between Iran and the US? A: One of the key points of contention is the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has maintained its closure of the strategic waterway but has indicated it would reopen it if the United States returns to its commitments under the June deal.
Q: What was the context of the international summit where these remarks were made? A: The remarks were made during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit brought together leaders from Russia, China, India, and other nations to discuss various international issues, including the ongoing conflicts and economic cooperation.
