Russian President Vladimir Putin today sharply condemned the strikes on Iran, characterizing them as “unprovoked aggression” that is “without basis and justification.” Putin made these remarks during a reception for Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow.
Putin’s statements follow recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, as well as the 11th consecutive day of Israeli attacks on Iran. Iran has retaliated multiple times by striking Israel.
“Unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification,” Putin said while addressing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the Kremlin, as broadcast by Russian television.
“We are striving to provide assistance to the Iranian people,” Putin added, expressing his pleasure in discussing all pressing issues with Araghchi to jointly consider how to resolve the current situation.
During the televised address, the Russian president did not explicitly state whether Moscow is prepared to offer Tehran military assistance in its conflict with Israel.
This comes amidst reports from Ukraine and its allies that Iran has supplied drones to Russia, which have been used in its attacks on Ukraine.
Ahead of the Putin-Araghchi meeting, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that the Kremlin had proposed “mediation” between all parties and stated that Russia condemns and deeply regrets the attacks on Iran. Araghchi had earlier today expressed his expectation of “very important consultations” with Putin, Iranian television reported, as relayed by Russian news agencies.
Yesterday, Russia had already labeled the American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which target its key Middle Eastern ally, as “irresponsible.”
Since June 13, the first day of Israeli strikes on Iran, Putin has stated his readiness to play a mediating role to avoid further escalation of tensions, according to the Kremlin. However, his proposal was met with a cool reception from the European Union, with Brussels asserting that Russia cannot be an “objective mediator” amidst its ongoing war in Ukraine since 2022.
While Russia has historically maintained good relations with Israel, these ties have deteriorated since the start of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine and Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, in response to the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas’s incursion into Israel.
Conversely, Moscow has significantly strengthened its ties with Tehran in recent years. In January, the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at bolstering relations, particularly military ones, though it does not include a mutual defense pact.
