The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), citing a report from Russian media outlet RT, stated that Russia's formal reception of Major General Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and its arrangement for a meeting between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin to convey a message from Iran's Supreme Leader, sends a clear signal: Russia will not sacrifice its relationship with Tehran to appease the White House. The report also stated that Russia possesses the tools necessary to facilitate an agreement and can help Tehran and Washington reach a mutually beneficial deal.