Putin Voices Support for Iran Amid Rising Tensions

Darwin, 28 April : Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Iran following a meeting with Abbas Araghchi in Saint Petersburg on Monday.

During the meeting, Putin said he hopes the Iranian people will overcome the current “difficult period” and that peace will be restored in the region soon.

According to a report by Reuters, Russia has offered to mediate in the Middle East after recent attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, aiming to help stabilize the situation.

Moscow had earlier condemned the strikes against Iran. As part of efforts to ease tensions, the Kremlin has repeatedly proposed that Iran transfer its enriched uranium to Russia for safekeeping. However, the United States has not accepted the proposal so far.

Russian state media reported that Putin told Araghchi, “We will do everything on our part to ensure that your interests, as well as the interests of all people in the region, are protected and that peace is achieved as quickly as possible.”

Putin also revealed that he received a message last week from Iran’s Supreme Leader and asked Araghchi to convey his gratitude in return. He emphasized that Russia, like Iran, is interested in maintaining strong strategic ties with Tehran.

Last year, Iran and Russia signed a 20-year strategic partnership agreement. Russia is also constructing two new units at Iran’s only nuclear power plant in Bushehr. Meanwhile, Iran has supplied ‘Shahed’ drones to Russia, which have been used in the war in Ukraine.

According to Iran’s state news agency, Araghchi thanked Putin for Moscow’s continued support and stressed the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.