Top Russian security official Shoigu arrives in Iran

Russia's security council secretary, Sergei Shoigu, arrived in Tehran on Monday for talks with the Iranian leadership including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Russia's Interfax news agency reported.

The visit is taking place at a time of acute tension in the Middle East amid fears of a wider regional war after Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran last week.

Iran has blamed Israel and said it will "punish" it; Israeli officials have not claimed responsibility.

Shoigu, who was Russia's defence minister before being moved to the security council in May, will also meet Iran's national security chief and the head of the general staff, Interfax said.

Reporting by Reuters