MOSCOW, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory messages on Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Kremlin press service said on Saturday.

People buy flowers ahead of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, at Tajrish Bazaar in northern Tehran, Iran, on March 19, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Putin wished the Iranian people strength to overcome severe trials and stressed that at this difficult time, Moscow remains a loyal friend and reliable partner of Tehran.

This year's Nowruz, which falls on Saturday, marks the start of the year 1405 in the Iranian calendar.