Russian President Vladimir Putin called Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to express condolences over heavy civilian casualties and the reported deaths of senior Iranian figures. The Kremlin quoted Putin urging an immediate cessation of hostilities and rejecting the use of force, calling instead for a return to diplomacy. Putin also said he remains in constant contact with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, while Pezeshkian thanked Russia for its solidarity and provided an update on recent developments.
Putin Calls for Immediate Halt to Hostilities, Offers Condolences to Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with women representing various professional fields to congratulate them on the upcoming International Women's Day at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia March 5, 2026. Sputnik/Valeriy Sharifulin/Pool via REUTERS
MOSCOW, March 7 — Russian President Vladimir Putin phoned Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian late on Friday to offer condolences over heavy civilian casualties and the reported deaths of senior Iranian figures, the Kremlin said.
According to a Kremlin statement, Putin expressed his "deep condolences" over what the statement described as the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of his family, senior political and military figures and "numerous civilians."
"Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia's principled stance in favour of an immediate cessation of hostilities, the rejection of force as a method to solve any issues surrounding Iran or arising in the Middle East, and a swift return to the path of diplomatic resolution," the Kremlin said.
The Kremlin added that Putin told Pezeshkian he was in "constant contact" with leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council member states as the situation developed. Pezeshkian, the statement said, thanked Russia for its solidarity and provided a detailed update on developments during the latest active phase of the conflict.
This account is based on the Kremlin's public statement; Reuters reported the call and the Kremlin's remarks. The phone call underscores Moscow's public call for restraint and diplomacy amid escalating tensions in the region.
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