Russian President Vladimir Putin asked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit to convey greetings and best wishes to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Putin said: “I am pleased with our new meeting. At the beginning of our conversation, I ask you to convey greetings and best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mr. Khamenei.”

The Russian president added: “We are in constant contact regarding various aspects of the international agenda, including the situation related to Iran’s nuclear program,” noting that trade between Russia and Iran increased by 11.4% in the first half of 2025.

Putin also emphasized the special multifaceted nature of Russian-Iranian relations. He mentioned that during the Iranian president’s visit to Russia last January, an updated international government treaty was signed that elevated the bilateral relations to a new level.

He added: “Trade is growing steadily. At the end of 2024, it grew by 13%. In the first half of this year, it added another 11.4%,” pointing to an increase in tourist trips from Russia to Iran and vice versa.

For his part, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that he personally took charge of removing all obstacles and barriers to expanding cooperation with Moscow and implementing all agreements.

Pezeshkian said: “I personally took control of the implementation of all agreements concluded between our countries and will do my utmost to remove all obstacles on this path.”

Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, including with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.