Russian President, Vladimir Putin has assured Abbas Araghchi of Moscow’s support in de-escalating the Israel-Iran conflict hours.
This came as Putin met the Iranian Foreign Minister in Russia.
Stating that Araghchi is visiting Russia at a dramatic moment of sharp aggravation of the situation in the region and around your country, Putin, in his opening remarks at the televised Kremlin meeting, reiterated Moscow’s position on Iran-Israel conflict as was articulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the American strikes and Tehran is aware of Moscow’s stance in the Security Council and the United Nations.
Putin told Araghchi, “We have long-standing, good, and reliable relations with Iran,” adding, “On our part, we are making efforts to help the Iranian people.”
Moscow and Tehran have signed a strategic partnership treaty, but it does not provide for military assistance in case any side is attacked.
However, Tehran and Moscow under the treaty have an obligation not to take the side of the aggressor and enter into urgent political consultations to mitigate the situation.
Kremlin Spokesman, Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow can offer various forms of support to Iran amid the escalation in the Middle East, but it is up to Tehran to articulate what help it wants.
“It all depends on what Iran needs. We have offered our mediation efforts. This is concrete. We have stated our position, which is also a very important form of support for the Iranian side.
“Going forward, everything will depend on what Iran needs at this moment.”
Dmitry Peskov
Peskov added that there was no detailed information from Trump to Putin in advance about US intentions to strike Iran.
“The Iranian issue itself was repeatedly discussed by the Presidents during their recent conversations. Russia voiced certain proposals, but there was no direct detailed information about this.”
Dmitry Peskov
Putin Slams Attacks On Iran
Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday slammed attacks on Iran in his meeting with Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, but did not announce any concrete support for his key ally in the Middle East.
He did not single out the US attacks, talking instead broadly of “strikes” against Iran, though the Kremlin had earlier said that it condemned and regretted the US strikes.Putin told Araghchi, “The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification.”
He added that he was very glad that Araghchi was in Moscow, saying that it will provide the opportunity to discuss all “these pressing issues and think together about how we could get out of today’s situation.”
On his part, Araghchi told Putin that Iran was conducting legitimate self-defence, and thanked Russia for condemning the US actions. He added, “Russia is today on the right side of history and international law.”
Kremlin Spokesman, Dmitry Peskov also condemned the US attacks.
“An increase in the number of participants in this conflict is happening – or rather, has happened. A new spiral of escalation of tension in the region.
“And, of course, we condemn this and express regret in this regard, deep regret. In addition, of course, it remains to be seen what happened to [Iran’s] nuclear facilities, whether there is a radiation hazard.”
Dmitry Peskov
Putin has pitched himself as a mediator between Iran and Israel — which launched the offensive on Iran earlier this month — an idea rejected by US President Donald Trump last week.
