Russia's President Vladimir Putin vowed on Thursday to "do everything" to help end the Middle East war when he met Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian for talks ahead of a regional summit, Russian media reported.

The leaders met after arriving in Turkmenistan for a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) that starts on Friday in the Caspian Sea resort of Avaza.

"We are ready to do everything that is in our power to contribute to the settlement of this situation," said Putin. He added that Iran had made "real efforts to end the war" since US-Israeli attacks started on February 28, according to Russian news agencies.

Putin also noted the "positive evolution" in Iran-Russia relations.

The two countries have reinforced diplomatic and military links since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine and Western countries have accused Iran of supplying Russia with Shahed drones and short-range missiles for use in the Ukraine war. Russia has been accused of supplying data to Iran for its attacks on US targets in the Middle East.

In a call on Wednesday, Putin also told Pezeshkian that he was ready to help mediate in the Middle East war, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported.

The contacts came with Iran-US talks at an apparent impasse. Pezeshkian said this week that negotiations with Washington were "meaningless".

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia's offensive in Ukraine also appear deadlocked, even as both sides intensify attacks.

Putin and Pezeshkian will attend the summit of the CIS – originally a grouping of former Soviet nations – with leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Turkmenistan and other Central Asia states. (AFP)



Edited by Cecil Wong