Putin Pledges Support for Iran, Calls for Quick End to Conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, expressing support for Iran and hope that the situation in the region would soon stabilize.
Putin said the Iranian people were going through a "difficult period" and stressed that Russia would do everything possible to achieve peace as soon as possible. He also pledged that Moscow would act in the interests of Iran and other countries in the region.
Russia, which has condemned the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, has previously offered to mediate to ease the conflict in the region. It has also proposed storing Iran's enriched uranium as a way of reducing tensions, an offer Washington has not taken up.
Putin also conveyed his appreciation for a message from Iran's supreme leader and affirmed his interest in continuing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Iran and Russia signed a 20-year cooperation agreement last year. Moscow is building new nuclear units at Bushehr, and Tehran has supplied Russia with drones used in the war in Ukraine.
Araghchi said after the talks that relations between the two countries would continue to strengthen.