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Russian President Vladimir Putin has reached out to express his condolences to Iran’s new interim president following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

According to the Kremlin, Putin conveyed his sadness to interim president Mohammad Mokhber and the Iranian people, praising Raisi as a “reliable partner” who significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and Iran. The Kremlin added that there was a mutual desire to continue building its comprehensive partnership for the benefit of both nations.

Following the crash, Putin also reached out to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, praising Raisi’s dedication to Iran and his efforts to foster a strategic partnership with Russia.

In addition to the phone calls, Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu offered Moscow’s assistance investigating the helicopter crash. 

Digging Deeper:
This incident comes amid an ongoing deepening of political, trade, and military ties between Russia and Iran, a relationship closely monitored by the United States and Israel with apprehension. Earlier this year, Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced that a new treaty  strengthening ties between the two countries was nearing completion, with an expected signing by Putin and Raisi. The two leaders had engaged in extensive discussions over the past months, including five hours of talks in December and multiple phone conversations in early 2023.