Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg on Monday, pledging Moscow’s full backing for Tehran during what he described as a “difficult period” and expressing hope that peace would soon prevail in the region.
Putin Confirms Receipt of Message from Iran’s Supreme Leader
“For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests and the interests of all the peoples of the region to ensure that peace is achieved as quickly as possible,” Putin told Araghchi, according to Russian state media.
Putin added that he had received a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader last week. “I would like to ask you to convey my most sincere thanks for this and to confirm that Russia, like Iran, intends to continue our strategic relationship,” he said.
Moscow Offers Mediation Amid Escalating Tensions
Russia has condemned recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran and has offered to mediate in the conflict. Moscow has also repeatedly proposed storing Iran’s enriched uranium as a way to de-escalate tensions, an offer that Washington has not taken up.
Iran and Russia signed a 20-year strategic partnership agreement last year. Moscow is currently building two new nuclear units at Bushehr, the site of Iran’s only nuclear power plant. Iran has also supplied Russia with Shahed drones for use in the war in Ukraine.
Araghchi Thanks Putin for Support
Foreign Minister Araghchi said relations between Russia and Iran would continue to strengthen and thanked Putin for Moscow’s support, the state RIA news agency reported.
