Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to support Iran in peace negotiations with the United States, following a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg. The discussions took place at the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library, where Putin expressed his hope that the Iranian people would endure what he described as a "difficult period" and that peace would soon prevail.
Russia's Mediation Offer
Russia has offered to mediate in an effort to restore calm to the Middle East, particularly after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which Moscow has strongly condemned. Additionally, Russia has repeatedly proposed storing Iran's enriched uranium as a means to de-escalate tensions—an offer that the US has not yet accepted.
Putin's Statement
“For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests and the interests of all the peoples of the region to ensure that peace is achieved as quickly as possible,” Putin told Araghchi, as reported by Russian state media. He added, “Last week I received a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader. I would like to ask you to convey my most sincere thanks for this and to confirm that Russia, like Iran, intends to continue our strategic relationship.”
Broader Context
The pledge comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US, with German Chancellor also commenting that the US has been “humiliated” in the ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid, with international efforts focused on preventing further escalation.
