Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the recent US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities as “unprovoked aggression”, asserting that there was “absolutely no justification” for the attack. He made the remarks during a meeting in Moscow with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday, just two days after the operation authorized by President Donald Trump.
Putin stated that Russia was actively seeking to support the Iranian people during this period of heightened tensions. “I am very glad that you are in Moscow today,” he said in televised remarks. “This will give us the opportunity to discuss all these pressing issues and think together about how we could get out of today’s situation.”
Araghchi expressed gratitude for Moscow’s strong condemnation of the US strikes and conveyed messages from Iran’s Leader and president. “Russia is today on the right side of history and international law,” Araghchi said, emphasizing that Iran’s actions were taken in legitimate self-defense.
While details of Russia’s support were not fully disclosed, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow had already offered to mediate. “It all depends on what Iran needs,” he said. “A new spiral of escalation of tension in the region has happened. And of course, we condemn this and express deep regret.”
Peskov also confirmed that President Trump did not inform Putin in advance of the military operation. “There was no detailed information,” he said. “The topic of Iran itself was repeatedly discussed by the presidents during their most recent conversations… but there was no direct detailed information about this.”
Growing alignment in the face of mounting Western pressure
Although Iran and Russia signed a strategic cooperation treaty in January, the agreement does not include a mutual defense clause. Nevertheless, Monday’s high-level meeting highlighted the growing alignment between the two countries in the face of mounting Western pressure.
The Kremlin has warned that continued US aggression in the Middle East risks plunging the region into “the abyss”.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Moscow on Monday to hold discussions with Russian officials, aiming to bolster bilateral efforts in response to growing regional tensions.
Araghchi arrives in Moscow
Speaking to reporters upon arrival, Araghchi stressed the importance of “more careful, more serious, and closer stances” between Tehran and Moscow. He emphasized that Iran and Russia have maintained a tradition of close cooperation and that under current conditions, “the consultations between Iran and Russia will be highly significant.” Araqchi also expressed gratitude to Moscow for its strong condemnation of the US strikes.
The top Iranian diplomat noted that while the visit had originally been scheduled to address Israeli aggression, the scope had widened due to the United States’ attack on Iran. He stated, “Iran and Russia share common concerns and common enemies,” adding that both countries remain committed to facing regional threats together.
This comes shortly after Russia, China, and Pakistan submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, as US escalation against Iran and strikes on nuclear facilities raise global alarm.
AL MAYADEEN
