Russia is prepared to continue to work to resolve issues surrounding Iran's nuclear programme, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Tehran's air defences lie in ruins after Operation Rising Lion - and Moscow's inaction signals a strategic rift

Trump, who turned 79, said: "President Putin called this morning to very nicely wish me a Happy Birthday, but to more importantly, talk about Iran."

Russia and Israel have built a close political, economic and cultural relationship that helped them tackle delicate and divisive issues, including developments in Syria.

Ali Asghar Hejazi is reportedly one of the most influential actors in Iran's establishment and has been a close aide to Khamenei for the last many decades

A sharp rise in global oil prices following Israeli strikes on Iran will benefit Russia and bolster its military capabilities in the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday in comments that were under embargo until Saturday afternoon.

The strikes came after the Israeli military said it had carried out fresh strikes on Iran nuclear infrastructure sites.

A sharp rise in global oil prices following Israeli strikes on Iran will benefit Russia and bolster its military capabilities in