Following US attacks, Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei sent a letter to President Putin. Tehran sought clear support from Russia. Putin, for the first time, condemned the US actions and assured assistance.
Iran Russia Support: Following US military actions and Israeli attacks on Iran, the situation in the Middle East has become tense. In response, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sent a special letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following this, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Moscow and met with Putin. Khamenei's letter appealed for ber and more concrete support from Russia.
Russia-Iran Relations
Russia has been a traditional strategic partner of Iran. Relations between the two countries have been particularly b regarding the nuclear agreement and regional security issues. Russia, a veto power in the UN Security Council, previously supported the agreement on Iran's nuclear program. This is the same agreement that former US President Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned in 2018 during his first term.
Khamenei's Dissatisfaction
The Iranian foreign minister's visit to Moscow comes at a time when the US has conducted its largest military operation since the 1979 Iranian revolution. Khamenei felt that Russia's support had been insufficient. He dispatched his minister with a message urging Putin to play a more active role.
Russia's Response
Although Russia criticized the attacks carried out by Israel, it had not yet directly commented on the US attacks. Last week, Putin appealed for peace in the region, offering mediation. He believes that further escalation of tensions in the Middle East could spread global instability.
Mediation Proposal
Putin stated his willingness to mediate between the US and Iran. He also indicated that Russia and Iran are coordinating their respective perspectives on this issue. He further clarified that Israel had assured Moscow that Russian scientists working at Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant would not be harmed.
Putin's Show of Support
During his meeting with Araghchi, President Putin, for the first time, explicitly condemned the US attacks. He stated that the actions against Iran were not only unjust but also lacked any legal or strategic basis. Putin assured Iran that Russia would stand with the Iranian people and government. He added that this matter would be raised in the United Nations to clarify Iran's position on the international stage.
Strong Russian Response to Speculation of Regime Change
Putin completely dismissed US and Israeli speculation about regime change in Iran. He stated unequivocally that the right to regime change rests solely with the Iranian people and that any external interference would not be tolerated. He emphasized that ending external interference is crucial for regional stability.
Russia's Balancing Act Between the US and Iran
Russia seeks to avoid direct confrontation with the US while simultaneously avoiding abandoning its strategic partner, Iran. This is why it is currently playing its role through diplomatic channels. In this context, Putin has also held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pejakishan, and UAE leaders.
