Moscow (TDI): Russia has sent more than 13 tons of humanitarian aid, primarily medicines and medical supplies, to Iran through Azerbaijan, according to Russia’s Foreign Ministry.
The shipment was organized under the direct orders of President Vladimir Putin as part of efforts to assist Iran amid a worsening humanitarian situation caused by the United States and Israeli strikes.
The aid was transported by a special aircraft operated by the Russian Emergencies Ministry, which delivered the cargo to Azerbaijan before it was transferred to Iranian authorities.
Officials said the supplies will help address urgent medical needs in Iran, where the ongoing crisis has strained healthcare resources and humanitarian relief networks.
“Due to the destruction of hospitals & the large number of wounded, Iran has requested medical supplies from friendly countries, including Russia,” the MFA said in a post on X.
💬 #Zakharova: Due to the destruction of hospitals & the large number of wounded, Iran has requested medical supplies from friendly countries, including Russia.
🇷🇺 #RussiaHelps: On the instruction of President #Putin, humanitarian aid will be delivered to the Iranian people. https://t.co/o4XYm5nwLo pic.twitter.com/ggvIOZjIFy
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) March 12, 2026
According to Russian authorities, the shipment consists largely of medicines and pharmaceutical supplies intended for hospitals and emergency services.
The operation was coordinated by the aviation units of the Emergency Situations Ministry and carried out under the supervision of Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov.
After arriving in Azerbaijan, the aid was unloaded and transferred to vehicles belonging to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, which will deliver the supplies across the border into Iran. Reports indicate that the humanitarian cargo passed through the Astara border checkpoint for onward distribution to affected areas.
Iranian officials have expressed appreciation for the assistance and for Azerbaijan’s logistical support in facilitating the delivery. Tehran’s envoy in Baku thanked Azerbaijani authorities for helping ensure the safe transit of the humanitarian cargo to Iran.
Russia has repeatedly voiced concern over the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing hostilities and has called for measures to alleviate civilian suffering.
Azerbaijan has served as a key transit route for relief supplies entering Iran, with its infrastructure and geographic position enabling aid deliveries despite disruptions in other regional transport routes.
