TEHRAN – Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has engaged in a high-level meeting with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian.

Shoigu arrived in Tehran on Monday to engage in critical discussions with senior Iranian officials following the recent assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the Hamas Resistance movement. 

The assassination, carried out by Israel, has significantly heightened tensions in the region.

Shoigu’s visit also included meetings with Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, where the two sides discussed the regional matters.

In his meeting with chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Sergei Shoigu echoed the sentiment of comprehensive cooperation agreement between the two nations, stating Russia’s readiness to collaborate with Iran on regional matters. 

He underscored the importance of this partnership in addressing common challenges and advancing mutual interests.

Shoigu also condemned the recent assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political bureau, labeling it a cowardly act. He asserted that the perpetrators of such crimes are intent on escalating tensions in the region. 

During the meeting, Major General Baqeri emphasized the shifting global power dynamics, noting, "The United States is well aware that the era of unipolar power is over." He expressed Iran's openness to enhanced trilateral cooperation with Russia and China.

The Russian Security Council emphasized that Shoigu's discussions in Tehran will focus on strengthening the strategic partnership between Russia and Iran, addressing mutual security concerns, and exploring joint economic initiatives.

The meetings aimed to cover a wide range of topics, including the enhancement of bilateral cooperation in security, trade, and economic projects, as well as various aspects of global and regional security.

Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on July 31 while attending the swearing-in ceremony of President Pezeshkian. This incident has sparked outrage in Iran, with officials condemning the act as a "blatant violation" of international laws and affirming Tehran’s right to retaliate against the aggressors.