A letter delivered in Moscow

Iran has reportedly asked Russia to supply S-400 air-defence systems, according to a report in The Telegraph cited by other outlets on Friday. The request was said to be the central demand in a personal message from Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The message was delivered in Moscow on Thursday by Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The Kremlin confirmed that Mr Rezaei handed Mr Putin a message from Mr Khamenei, but did not publicly say what the letter contained.

Rebuilding air defences

The reported request comes as Iran seeks to rebuild its defensive capabilities after months of war with the United States and Israel, which began on 28 February. Air defences have been a central concern for Tehran, and Russia has long been reported to have discussed S-400 sales to Iran without completing them.

According to the reporting, Iranian officials say Russia is discussing deliveries of the long-requested systems. Neither government has announced an agreement, and no delivery timetable has been established. A reported request is not confirmation that Russia has supplied the systems or committed to do so.

Diplomacy alongside defence

Mr Rezaei said after the meeting that talks had focused on security arrangements in the region and on ending what he called US aggression against Iran. He also said Tehran would not hold talks with Washington on ending the war or reopening the Strait of Hormuz until the United States meets seven Iranian conditions.

Iranian officials have separately said Iran has bought Russian Su-35 fighter jets and expects to receive them after the war ends. That claim, like the S-400 report, has not been confirmed by Moscow.