Putin meets Iranian foreign minister, reaffirms support for Tehran

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the Kremlin on Monday, delivering a strong message of support for Tehran amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel. Putin condemned recent US military actions against Iran, calling them an “absolutely unprovoked aggression” and reiterating Russia’s commitment to its longstanding alliance with Iran.

“This is an absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran; it has no basis or justification,” Putin said during the meeting, underscoring Moscow's stance. “We, for our part, are making efforts to provide assistance to the Iranian people,” he added, highlighting the enduring and reliable ties between the two nations.

Araghchi, in turn, thanked Russia for its vocal opposition to what he described as unlawful attacks by Israel and the United States. “These aggressive actions by Israel and the US are completely illegitimate and violate international rules and international norms,” he said. “We are defending our sovereignty and country, and our defence is legitimate.”

The Iranian foreign minister also emphasised the strategic importance of Russian-Iranian cooperation in the nuclear energy sector. “In the sphere of Iran’s nuclear programme, Russia has always been a partner for us. It built the Bushehr nuclear power plant,” Araghchi noted, praising Moscow's continued positive role in nuclear negotiations involving Tehran.

The meeting signals a continued alignment between Moscow and Tehran as both countries face increasing pressure and sanctions from Western powers.

With PTI inputs