Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday for talks during a forum in Turkmenistan, according to a senior aide on Monday.
Yury Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy aide, informed journalists that the leaders will meet in Ashgabat while attending an event honoring a Turkmen poet.
"This meeting is important not only for addressing bilateral issues but also for discussing the sharply escalating situation in the Middle East," Ushakov said, as cited by The Moscow Times.
The leaders of several Central Asian countries will be gathering to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of the 18th-century poet Magtymguly Pyragy. Putin's attendance had not been previously announced.
Last week, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin visited Iran for discussions with Pezeshkian and Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.
These talks come as Israel intensifies its airstrikes on Lebanon, targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah, while Russia has evacuated some of its citizens from the region.
Russia maintains close ties with Iran, though Western governments have accused Tehran of supplying Moscow with drones and missiles—claims Iran has repeatedly denied.
Pezeshkian is also scheduled to visit Russia later this month for further talks with Putin, as part of his participation in a BRICS summit of emerging economies.
