ASHGABAT, Oct 9 — Russia’s President Vladimir Putin vowed yesterday to “do everything” to help end the Middle East war when he met Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian for talks ahead of a regional summit, Russian media reported.

The leaders of two of the world’s most sanctioned nations met after arriving in Turkmenistan for a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) that starts today in the Caspian Sea resort of Avaza.

“We are ready to do everything that is in our power to contribute to the settlement of this situation,” said Putin. He added that Iran had made “real efforts to end the war” since US-Israeli attacks started on February 28, according to Russian news agencies.

Putin also noted the “positive evolution” in Iran-Russia relations.