Praise, partnership, power play? Putin’s birthday call carries big Iran message for Mojtaba Khamenei

Vladimir Putin praised Iran’s “epic steadfastness” during an October 7 birthday call with President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to Iranian accounts. The leaders reaffirmed strategic cooperation, while Moscow voiced support for regional diplomacy. Putin reportedly sent regards to Mojtaba Khamenei; no new weapons transfer or funding commitment was announced during it.