In a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on December 7, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi condemned the West for allegedly supporting "genocide" carried out by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza, Reuters reported. The talks, part of a series focusing on Middle Eastern affairs, took place amid a backdrop of growing concerns over military cooperation between Iran and Russia.
President Putin, fresh from visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where discussions touched on conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, welcomed Raisi to the Kremlin. Despite the visible military ties between the two nations, neither leader addressed the issue during their televised opening remarks.
While both leaders refrained from explicitly mentioning their growing military cooperation, the United States has expressed concern over Iran allegedly supplying weapons to Russia for use in the conflict in Ukraine.
President Putin emphasized the importance of discussing the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Palestinian territories. In response, President Raisi, speaking through a translator, characterized the events in Palestine and Gaza as "genocide" and a "crime against humanity." He expressed disappointment that such actions were allegedly supported by the United States and the broader Western community.
Iran openly supports the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, while Russia maintains relations with key players in the region, including both Hamas and Israel. Russia's hosting of a Hamas delegation in Moscow in October drew criticism from Israel.
Analysts speculate that the conflict in Gaza has provided Russia with a diplomatic advantage by diverting global attention from the war in Ukraine and allowing Moscow to align itself with developing countries expressing solidarity with the Palestinians.
President Putin has previously expressed sorrow at the suffering in Gaza, stating that the sight of bloodied children brings tears to his eyes. However, Western governments argue that such sentiments are hypocritical given Russia's military actions in Ukraine, where thousands of civilians have reportedly been killed.
Accusations of double standards have arisen, with Russia and Arab countries contending that the West supports Israel's actions in Gaza while simultaneously accusing Russia of war crimes.
Israel, in response, has consistently argued that its military actions target Hamas, not civilians, and has labeled allegations of genocide as deplorable.
The meeting also included discussions on the expanding military cooperation between Russia and Iran. Both nations confirmed last month that they had finalized arrangements for the supply of Su-35 fighter jets, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 pilot training aircraft to Iran. White House spokesman John Kirby expressed concern over the growing defense relationship, describing it as "worrisome." Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Putin's key representative on oil, were present at the meeting.
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