MOSCOW, March 7 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Iran's president ‌over the numerous civilian casualties resulting from "the ‌armed Israeli-American aggression against Iran" and called for an ​immediate halt to hostilities, the Kremlin said.

In a phone call late on Friday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin expressed his deep condolences over ‌the killing of ⁠Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of Khamenei's family, Iranian political ⁠and military leaders and "numerous civilians".

"Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia's principled stance in favour of an immediate cessation ​of hostilities, ​the rejection of ​force as a method ‌to solve any issues surrounding Iran or arising in the Middle East, and a swift return to the path of diplomatic resolution," the Kremlin said.

Putin said he was in constant contact ‌with the leaders of Gulf ​Cooperation Council member states.

"Masoud ​Pezeshkian expressed gratitude ​for Russia's solidarity with the Iranian ‌people as they defend their ​sovereignty and ​the independence of their country. He also provided a detailed update on the developments ​during the ‌latest active phase of the conflict," the ​Kremlin said.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy ​Faulconbridge and William Mallard)