Iran seeks stronger Russian support as foreign minister visits Moscow

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, seeking enhanced diplomatic and strategic support after recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The letter was handed to Putin by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during his visit to Moscow on June 23.

President Putin condemned Israeli strikes against Iran and offered Moscow’s assistance as a neutral mediator, but notably refrained from publicly addressing the US military action.

In his letter, Khamenei requested that Russia play a stronger role backing Tehran against both US and Israeli aggression.

Kremlin sources confirmed that Putin received Araghchi, though discussions remained private.

Putin also declined to comment on speculation by Israel and the US about targeting Khamenei personally, calling such suggestions speculative and harmful.

He emphasized that Russia supports diplomatic solutions while respecting Iran’s right to civilian nuclear energy.

Putin reiterated that foreign military strikes on Iran would violate international law, offering to mediate and pressing for restraint on both sides .

Araghchi described the visit as reinforcing a “strategic partnership” between Moscow and Tehran and highlighted close coordination on regional and nuclear issues, particularly in response to the recent US strikes.

As tensions escalate in the Middle East—with US forces striking Iran’s nuclear facilities and Iran retaliating against Israel—the Khamenei-to-Putin outreach signals Tehran’s bid to deepen its alliance with Russia.

Putin’s cautious diplomacy, condemning Israeli attacks while avoiding direct conflict with the US, positions Moscow as a potential mediator, but leaves its level of concrete support for Iran uncertain.