Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed the significance of Russia’s increasingly open support for Iran on Wednesday, saying Moscow’s assistance will not prevent the United States from carrying out its objectives in the war. Rubio made the comments during an appearance on “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” after host Brian Kilmeade confronted him with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent acknowledgment that Moscow is providing Iran with assistance.
Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Tuesday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. According to The New York Times, Putin told Pezeshkian, “During this difficult time, we are trying to provide you with the assistance you need,” adding that Russia was “supplying you with the necessary goods.” Kilmeade pointed to the statement as a significant development, telling Rubio that Russia was now saying directly that it was helping Tehran.
