Russia became the first country to deliver humanitarian aid to Iran as conflict continued to grip the Middle East. An Il-76 aircraft from the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry transported more than 13 tons of medical supplies to Azerbaijan on March 13, 2026. The cargo plane landed at Lankaran International Airport in Azerbaijan, where officials prepared the shipment for onward transfer to Iranian authorities.
The Russian Embassy in Kenya announced the delivery on its official social media account. “Russia becomes the first country to send humanitarian aid to Iran,” the embassy stated. “An Il-76 aircraft delivered more than 13 tons of medical supplies to Azerbaijan which will assist in transferring it to the Iranian authorities.”
Contents of the Shipment
The humanitarian cargo consisted primarily of medicines and essential hospital equipment. Trucks from the Iranian Red Crescent Society arrived at Lankaran Airport to receive the supplies. The vehicles then transported the aid through the Astara state border checkpoint into Iran.
The delivery addressed urgent healthcare shortages in Iran following weeks of heavy bombardment. Medical infrastructure sustained widespread destruction during the conflict, and civilian casualties mounted steadily. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Tehran had requested the assistance specifically to cope with these mounting pressures.
Diplomatic Coordination
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the aid mission directly. The operation also proceeded under the direction of Minister of Emergency Situations Alexander Kurenkov. On March 11, Putin telephoned Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to express gratitude for Baku’s cooperation.
The Russian leader thanked Aliyev for facilitating the transit of humanitarian cargo through Azerbaijani territory and for assisting with the evacuation of Russian citizens from Iran.
Strategic Context
The aid delivery followed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during opening strikes on February 28. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, assumed leadership of Iran. Putin congratulated the new supreme leader and pledged continued support.
The Kremlin released a statement quoting Putin’s message to Khamenei. “I am confident that you will continue the work of your father with honour and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials,” Putin said. He added that Russia wished to “confirm unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends.”
