Russian President Vladimir Putin today strongly condemned recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, telling Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi that there was “no justification” for the actions and pledging Moscow’s support for the Iranian people. The meeting in Moscow comes amidst a rapidly escalating crisis in the Middle East, with Iran vowing retaliation and engaging in ongoing clashes with Israel.
During their televised meeting at the Kremlin, Putin characterized the U.S. actions as “absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran,” emphasizing its lack of any basis or justification. While he did not explicitly single out the United States in his public remarks, referring more broadly to “strikes” against Iran, the Kremlin had earlier on Monday issued a strong condemnation of the U.S. military action.
Araqchi’s visit to Moscow is seen as a pivotal moment for Iran to garner international support and coordinate its response following the significant U.S. strikes that reportedly targeted key Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, over the weekend. Tehran has denounced these attacks as blatant violations of international law and the UN Charter.
Sources close to the discussions suggest that Iran is seeking more tangible assistance from Russia. While Putin affirmed Russia’s commitment to “support the Iranian people” and to work towards a peaceful resolution, he did not immediately announce any concrete military or economic support. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that the form of assistance would depend on Iran’s needs, adding that Moscow had already offered its mediation services.
This latest escalation follows a period of heightened tensions in the region, initially marked by Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliatory actions by Iran. The direct involvement of the U.S. military has raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
Russia, a crucial ally of Iran and a signatory to the Iran nuclear deal, has consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions and adherence to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Putin has repeatedly offered to mediate between the U.S. and Iran, and between Iran and Israel, a proposition that has been met with skepticism from Washington.
The timing of Putin’s strong condemnation also coincides with a renewed wave of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, which Ukrainian officials have been quick to highlight as hypocritical, given Moscow’s simultaneous denouncement of strikes on a sovereign nation.
As the situation remains fluid, the international community watches closely to see what “support” Russia will ultimately provide to Iran and how this will further shape the volatile dynamics in the Middle East.
By: Eugene Upah
