Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Iran’s recent retaliatory actions against Israel following an attack on its embassy in Damascus, describing Tehran’s response as measured and appropriate given the broader international context. During a telephone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday, Putin characterized Iran’s reaction as a demonstration of "tact and rationality," especially considering what he described as the United Nations Security Council’s failure to act effectively.

Putin criticized the role of the United States and its Western allies, accusing them of contributing to regional instability in West Asia. He asserted that Iran remains a key pillar of stability and security in the Middle East, emphasizing Russia’s support for Tehran amid ongoing tensions.

Meanwhile, Raisi explained that Iran’s military operation, dubbed Operation True Promise, was intended to punish Israel for its attack while making clear that Tehran does not seek further escalation or war. He attributed the operation to the perceived destructive influence of Washington and some Western nations, along with a lack of effective response from international bodies such as the United Nations and its Security Council. Raisi invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, which affirms the inherent right of self-defense, as the legal basis for Iran’s retaliatory actions.

Both leaders framed the episode within a broader narrative of geopolitical rivalry and international inaction, with Iran defending its use of force as legitimate and necessary to address what it describes as aggression by the "Zionist regime." The telephone dialogue underscores the continued strategic alignment between Moscow and Tehran amid ongoing tensions involving Israel and Western countries in the region.