Last Friday’s meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, highlighted the growing alignment between Moscow and Tehran as the Middle East braces for Israel’s response to Iran’s largest-ever missile attack on October 1.The two Western-sanctioned leaders discussed accelerating their bilateral cooperation across various sectors. They hailed their countries’ growing economic ties and similar views on world affairs.Putin, locked in a standoff with the West over Ukraine, frames Russia’s position as part of a broader existential struggle against a self-serving West. As such, he has turned to strengthening ties with what he refers to as the Global East and South – categories that prominently include Iran. Both partners are aligned in their opposition to US policies and Western sanctions.For the latest updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict, visit our dedicated page.The meeting came amid closer military coordination