Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had received a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, whose public absence has drawn scrutiny.
Speaking during a meeting in St Petersburg with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, Putin asked that his “appreciation” and “best wishes for his good health” be conveyed, according to the Kremlin.
Putin also praised what he described as Iran’s “courageous” defence of its sovereignty and said Russia would support efforts toward peace.
Meanwhile, CNN and Reuters reported ongoing questions about Khamenei’s condition and role, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying there is no evidence he is not alive, while other reports suggest he remains involved in decision-making remotely.