MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg on Monday, expressing hope that Iranians endure their “difficult period” and peace returns soon to the region.
Russia has proposed mediating U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which it has denounced, while offering to safeguard Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, a gesture snubbed by Washington. “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 Araghchi, per Russian state media.
Putin referenced a recent note from Iran’s Supreme Leader, asking Araghchi to relay his gratitude and reaffirm Russia’s commitment to their strategic ties. The nations cemented a 20-year partnership in 2025; Moscow is constructing two nuclear reactors at Iran’s Bushehr plant, Iran’s sole nuclear facility, while Tehran has furnished Russia with Shahed drones for its Ukraine conflict. Araghchi affirmed deepening bilateral bonds and thanked Putin for Russia’s backing, according to RIA news agency.