Putin backs Iran amid rising tensions
Russia vows support and cooperation during regional crisis
Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iran’s foreign minister that the Iranian people are "bravely and heroically" defending their sovereignty, and he vowed that Russia will take necessary steps to safeguard Iran’s and regional interests and help restore peace. Putin said he had received a written message from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and offered condolences over deaths from recent US‑Israeli attacks. The meeting, held in St. Petersburg, covered bilateral relations and regional developments.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi praised Russia’s support, particularly during what he described as unprovoked US and Israeli aggression, and reaffirmed Tehran’s intent to strengthen the long‑term strategic partnership with Moscow. Araghchi criticized international double standards and cited past assaults, sanctions, and maritime incidents as factors that will shape Iran’s diplomatic choices. He conveyed Ayatollah Khamenei’s greetings and said the talks produced “many good ideas” for cooperation.
The meeting comes amid heightened regional tensions following the assassination of Iran’s Leader and several senior commanders, Iran’s subsequent Operation True Promise 4 of retaliatory strikes, and a Pakistan‑brokered temporary ceasefire that has not yielded a lasting settlement.
