Russian President Vladimir Putin recently cemented his allegiance to Iran, extending support to the nation amidst its ongoing struggles with the United States and Israel. Putin characterized himself as a “loyal friend” to Iran, offering words of encouragement as the republic navigates through these turbulent times.

In a public message marking the Persian New Year, known as Norwuz, the Kremlin emphasized Moscow’s unwavering support for Tehran. “Vladimir Putin wished the Iranian people strength in overcoming these severe trials and highlighted that during this difficult time, Moscow remains a loyal friend and reliable partner of Tehran,” read the statement.

This pronouncement is one of the earliest demonstrations of public backing for Iran since the conflict erupted three weeks ago, following airstrikes that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The timing of Putin’s comments coincides with a recent Kremlin declaration regarding intelligence sharing. The Kremlin hinted at a willingness to halt intelligence exchanges with Tehran, contingent upon the U.S. agreeing to cease aiding Ukraine. This proposal was reportedly discussed by Russian Envoy Kirill Dmitriev with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during a meeting in Florida last week, as sources familiar with the discussions revealed to Politico.

Since the onset of the conflict in Iran, Russia has been supplying Iran with information about U.S. military positions in the Middle East. In return, Moscow sought to influence Washington into withdrawing its intelligence support for Ukraine.

The Kremlin has been providing Tehran locations of US military assets in the Middle East since the start of the war in Iran. In exchange, it wanted Washington to stop supplying Ukraine with intel about Russia.

The quid pro quo was reportedly shot down by President Trump, although Dmitriev claimed the report was “fake” in a post on X.

It’s not the first bizarre proposal Putin has put forward regarding Iran.

Putin personally told Trump during a call last week that he was willing to move Iran’s highly enriched uranium to Russia as a way to supposedly de-escalate the situation, according to Axios.

The proposal was swiftly rejected by the US.