ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in St. Petersburg on Monday, expressing optimism that the Iranian nation would overcome what he characterized as challenging times and that regional peace would be restored soon.
Moscow has positioned itself as a potential mediator in efforts to restore stability to the Middle East after recent strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran, actions that Russia has criticized. Additionally, Russia has made multiple proposals to house Iran’s enriched uranium as a method to reduce regional tensions, though the United States has declined these offers.
“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 Araqchi, according to Russian state media.
“Last week I received a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader. 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,” Putin added.
The two nations established a comprehensive 20-year strategic partnership agreement last year. Currently, Russia is constructing two additional nuclear reactors at Bushehr, where Iran operates its sole nuclear power facility. Iran has also provided Russia with Shahed drones for military operations in Ukraine.
According to the state RIA news agency, Araqchi expressed that ties between Moscow and Tehran would continue growing stronger and expressed gratitude to Putin for Russia’s ongoing support.
