Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg on Monday, expressing support for Iran and voicing hope that stability would soon return to the region.
During the talks, Putin said that both Russia and the broader international community were closely watching what he described as a “difficult period” for Iran, adding that he believed the Iranian people would endure the challenges they face. He also reiterated Moscow’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Tehran.
The Russian leader noted that he had recently received a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader and asked Araghchi to convey his appreciation, while affirming that bilateral ties between the two countries would continue to deepen.
Russia has positioned itself as a potential mediator in efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which Moscow has strongly criticized. It has also proposed storing Iran’s enriched uranium as part of confidence-building measures, though the offer has not been accepted by Washington.
“For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests and those of the region to help ensure peace is achieved as quickly as possible,” Putin said, according to Russian state media.
Araghchi, in turn, welcomed Russia’s support and said cooperation between Tehran and Moscow would continue to grow. The two countries have expanded ties in recent years, including a 20-year strategic partnership agreement, Russian involvement in nuclear energy projects at Bushehr, and Iran’s provision of Shahed drones to Russia for use in the conflict in Ukraine.