While meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi accused the West of aiding “genocide” by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza. This accusation came at the beginning of a dialogue between the two leaders.

A day after visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where he addressed the battles in Gaza and Ukraine and Russia and OPEC’s efforts to improve oil prices, Putin received Raisi in the Kremlin as part of a series of meetings centered on the Middle East. These discussions were part of a series of meetings focused on the Middle East.

The United States of America is concerned about Iran’s alleged sale of weaponry to Russia for use against Ukraine, and neither of the leaders made any reference to the expanding military collaboration between their nations in their opening statements, which were broadcast nationally on television.

Putin emphasized the significance of conversing about the current situation in the Middle East, particularly about the Palestinian lands.

The response that Raisi provided was through a translator, and it was as follows: “What is happening in Palestine and Gaza is, of course, genocide and a crime against humanity.” He stated that it was “even more sad” that the United States of America and the Western world backed this move.

During the conflict between Israel and Gaza, Iran provided support to the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, which is the controlling authority in Gaza. The fact that Russia hosted a Hamas delegation in Moscow in October infuriated Israel, which is one of the essential powers in the area. Russia has contacts with all of the critical actors in the region, including Israel.

The crisis, according to analysts, has been beneficial to Russia because it has diverted the focus of the world away from the conflict in Ukraine and has made it possible for Moscow to position itself with poor nations in sympathy with the Palestinians.

In Gaza, Putin has stated that the sight of youngsters who are suffering and bleeding causes “tears to come to your eyes.” However, Western nations have stated that such statements are hypocritical, given that Putin’s forces have been responsible for the deaths of thousands of people in Ukraine.

At the same time as the West is accusing Russia of committing war crimes, Russia and Arab nations are claiming that the West is demonstrating double standards by backing Israel’s bombardment and blockade of Gaza.

The Israeli government has stated in the past that claims of genocide are abhorrent and that its measures are directed toward Hamas rather than civilians.

TIES TO THE MILITARY

Iran is an avowed opponent of the United States, and it can supply Moscow with military gear for its conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has made substantial use of Iranian drones. This is similar to North Korea, whose leader Kim Jong Un visited Putin in the far east of Russia in September.

Last month, the Kremlin stated that Russia and Iran were improving relations, “including in the field of military-technical cooperation.” The White House claimed that Iran might be considering giving Russia ballistic missiles, but the Kremlin declined to comment.

“Worrisome” was the word that White House spokesman John Kirby used to describe Wednesday’s growing connection between the two departments.

According to statements made by Iranian authorities, the military collaboration with Russia is growing daily.

The Iranian government said one month ago that it had completed the necessary preparations for Russia to supply it with Su-35 fighter jets, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 pilot training aircraft.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who serves as Putin’s point man on oil, was also present at the meeting on Thursday. The Russian Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, was also there.