Ashgabat—During a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for Russia to adopt a more assertive role in addressing what he described as Israeli crimes against civilians in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Pezeshkian’s remarks came after his talks with President Putin in Ashgabat. “We discussed regional issues, in particular, that Russia must play a more active role concerning the crimes committed by Israel against women and children in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip,” he stated in a video released by his press office. The discussions occurred on the sidelines of the ‘Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – Basis of Peace and Development’ international forum.

President Pezeshkian also highlighted the lack of interest from European countries and the United States in de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, pointing to a dramatic escalation due to Israel’s non-compliance with international legal and humanitarian standards. This commentary aligns with a statement from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on October 4, accusing the United States and its allies of supporting Israel in regional conflicts to access Middle Eastern resources.