Russia tried to work with Iran on air defense systems but Iran said no. President Vladimir Putin talked about this at an economic meeting in St. Petersburg on Wednesday. He said Russia made several offers to help Iran build better air defenses. Iranian leaders did not want to move forward with the ideas.
Putin spoke during the same week that Iran and Israel started fighting each other. The two countries have been firing missiles and using drones to attack military targets. Israel says Iran works with other groups to plan attacks. Iran says Israel has hit its commanders and nuclear sites.
The Russian president made clear that his country will not defend Iran if war breaks out. He said the partnership agreement between Russia and Iran does not cover military protection. Iran has not asked Russia for that kind of help either.
Putin refused to answer a question about what Russia would do if Israel killed Iran's top leader. He said he would not talk about such things. Russia wants to stay out of the Iran-Israel conflict even though it works closely with Iran on other issues.
The economic forum in St. Petersburg brings together business leaders from around the world. Countries from Africa, Brazil and Southeast Asia are meeting there. Russia wants to build stronger economic ties with nations outside Europe and America.
Putin spoke during the same week that Iran and Israel started fighting each other. The two countries have been firing missiles and using drones to attack military targets. Israel says Iran works with other groups to plan attacks. Iran says Israel has hit its commanders and nuclear sites.
The Russian president made clear that his country will not defend Iran if war breaks out. He said the partnership agreement between Russia and Iran does not cover military protection. Iran has not asked Russia for that kind of help either.
Putin refused to answer a question about what Russia would do if Israel killed Iran's top leader. He said he would not talk about such things. Russia wants to stay out of the Iran-Israel conflict even though it works closely with Iran on other issues.
The economic forum in St. Petersburg brings together business leaders from around the world. Countries from Africa, Brazil and Southeast Asia are meeting there. Russia wants to build stronger economic ties with nations outside Europe and America.
