Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his congratulations to Iran’s reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian on his recent victory in the presidential runoff election, the Kremlin announced on Saturday.
“I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin said in a message to Pezeshkian.
This election, which was moved up from its scheduled date in 2025, followed the tragic death of ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash earlier this year. The runoff election saw Pezeshkian emerge victorious with over 16 million votes, or approximately 54 percent, against his rival, ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, who received more than 13 million votes, around 44 percent, out of the nearly 30 million votes cast.
In his message, Putin emphasized the potential for the two nations to “coordinate efforts to resolve international issues in a constructive manner,” highlighting the possibility for enhanced collaboration between Russia and Iran. Both countries face significant Western sanctions, which have shaped their international relations and prompted the need for strategic partnerships.
The first round of the election, held on June 28, featured four candidates, reflecting a diverse political landscape in Iran as the nation sought a new leader to navigate its future amid ongoing global challenges.
