The statements by Mr Putin and Mr Pezeshkian there confirmed the Russian Foreign Ministry's assertion that relations between Moscow and Tehran have never been better.

This meeting has attracted public attention both inside and outside the region because Russia and Iran are in very special situations, with many similarities. Both countries are subject to economic, trade and financial sanctions and embargoes from the West. Having been in this situation for a longer time, Iran can provide useful advice to help Russia deal with it more effectively. Russia is currently conducting a military campaign in Ukraine and is hostile to the West. Iran is also hostile to the West and Israel. In this respect, both sides can support each other very effectively.

Russia and Iran have been allies in the political, security, military and geostrategic game in Syria. This alliance plays a decisive role in shaping the current political, security and geostrategic order in the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf. But now, Russia and Iran have entered a new game. In this new game, there is still the aspect of Russia and Iran opposing the Western bloc, but what is new for Moscow is the conflict in Ukraine and what is new for Tehran is the military conflict in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. In addition, there are the activities of the Houthi forces in Yemen and the Shiite Muslim armed groups in Iraq and Syria. Therefore, the way of supporting each other and coordinating actions must be different from before.

The old allies are still the same in essence but not in name in the new game.