Gulf Today Report

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan kept Russian President Vladimir Putin waiting and fidgeting for about 50 seconds ahead of their talks in Tehran on Tuesday.

The delay prompted Turkish media to draw parallels with Russian leader making Erdogan and other leaders stand by in the past.

Putin had in past made world leaders cool their heels, notably in Moscow in 2020 when Erdogan was left waiting for about two minutes by the Russian leader ahead of a meeting.

Turkey's T24 website asked in a headline: "Was it revenge?"

It was Putin's first with a Nato alliance leader since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February.

Video of the event shows Putin standing in front of his chair and the nations' two flags with his hands clasped, mouth twitching and his stance shifting before Erdogan finally appears.

Putin then raises his hands to his sides.

"Hello, how are you, good?" Erdogan said as they then smiled at each other and shook hands.