The Iranian nation has stood and will stand with strength against aggression

Masoud Pezeshkian, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, in a meeting with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, referring to the distinguished level of relations between the two countries and the favorable progress in implementing joint understandings, expressed gratitude for the support of the Russian government and people for the Islamic Republic of Iran at various times, including during the war and the conditions arising from US sanctions.

Stating that Russia's positions in the United Nations and other international forums reflect the different nature of Tehran-Moscow relations, the President said: "These supports show that the connection between the two countries is not an ordinary one, but a strategic relationship based on shared interests and benefits."

Dr. Pezeshkian, emphasizing the necessity of confronting unilateralism and policies based on pressure and sanctions, stated: "We believe that we can stand with strength against unilateralism and the oppressive sanctions of America."

The President considered the holding of the SCO summit as a sign of the formation of a broader will among the world's countries to confront unilateralism, and added: "Other countries also do not accept that the international system should be managed based on unilateralism, and no country has the right to violate the sovereignty of another country or impose its goals on others through the use of force."

Referring to the military aggression of America and Israel against Iran and the martyrdom of the great leader and a number of commanders and people, including students, Dr. Pezeshkian stated: "These crimes had no legal justification, and such aggression is by no means justifiable."

The President emphasized: "The Iranian nation stood with strength against this aggression, and if this process continues, it will stand firm once again."

At the same time, Dr. Pezeshkian, referring to Iran's readiness to implement its commitments within the framework of the recent agreement, said: "If America returns to its commitments in the agreement, the Islamic Republic of Iran is also ready to act for its implementation."

The President noted: "America can no longer impose its illegal demands and wishes on the Iranian nation through the language of force."

Dr. Pezeshkian also considered Iran's active presence in regional and international organizations, including the SCO and BRICS, as effective in strengthening the process of multilateralism, and said: "We support the far-sighted view and Russia's approach to multilateralism, and we believe that ultimately multilateralism will prevail over unilateralism."

Emphasizing the depth and sincerity of Tehran-Moscow relations, the President stated: "The interactions between Iran and Russia have been sincere and deep, and the relations between the two countries have improved in all fields and will develop further in the future."

Referring to the economic and political capacities of the two countries, Dr. Pezeshkian said: "America and Western countries, by imposing sanctions on Iran and Russia, are in fact depriving themselves of the capacities and capabilities of these countries. The more Iran, Russia, and other SCO member states develop their relations and ties, the more the effectiveness and efficiency of policies based on force and unilateral sanctions will decrease."

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, also in this meeting, while honoring the memory of the martyred leader and his role in the path of developing the strategic partnership between the two countries, emphasized Moscow's determination to continue and deepen bilateral cooperation.

Referring to the martyrdom of the esteemed leader and a number of Iranian officials, commanders, and citizens, the President of Russia described this action as a great tragedy and crime that is by no means justifiable.

Vladimir Putin, stating that America and the Zionist regime did not achieve their goals during the aggression against Iran, considered the cohesion and resistance of the Iranian people as one of the main factors in the failure of these goals.

The President of Russia added that Moscow had repeatedly warned America and Israel that a military solution against Iran would have no successful outlook, and emphasized: "Iran is a country with a rich and deep-rooted civilization and culture, and today they are realizing this reality."

Vladimir Putin also, expressing concern over the continuation of tensions in the region, expressed hope that the negotiations would lead to tangible results, and said: "We are all interested in achieving this goal."

Emphasizing that Moscow will continue to develop relations with Tehran in all fields, the President of Russia stated: "We will continue our communications with Iran in all areas."

Vladimir Putin also said: "The people of Russia express solidarity with the Iranian people who are defending their interests."

The President of Russia further, referring to the progress of bilateral relations, noted: "Russia-Iran relations are continuously developing in all fields. Russia and Iran, despite military and political conditions, have maintained the growing trend of last year in trade and economic relations."

Vladimir Putin also, in this meeting, asked the President of Iran to convey his greetings and respects to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.