MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday sharply criticized the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran, calling them “absolutely unprovoked aggression” and expressing support for the Iranian people during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow.
The meeting came two days after U.S. bombers struck Iran’s main nuclear sites, a move that drew global condemnation and heightened tensions in the Middle East.
“The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification,” Putin said during televised remarks. “For our part, we are making efforts to assist the Iranian people.”
Putin welcomed Araghchi to the Kremlin, describing the visit as a timely opportunity to discuss growing regional instability. “I am very glad that you are in Moscow today, this will give us the opportunity to discuss all these pressing issues and think together about how we could get out of today’s situation.”
Araghchi, delivering a message from Iran’s top leadership, emphasized Tehran’s stance that it was acting in self-defence. “Russia is today on the right side of history and international law,” he said. The Iranian envoy also conveyed greetings from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Russian president’s official meeting with Araghchi included senior officials from both sides, such as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. The discussion focused on the aftermath of the U.S. strikes and broader security challenges in the region.
Putin noted that Moscow had already communicated its position through the United Nations Security Council and emphasized the depth of Russia-Iran ties. “Russia has long-standing, strong, and trustworthy relations with Iran, and we are committed to supporting the Iranian people through our continued efforts,” he said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also weighed in, stating that Washington’s military action had triggered “a new spiral of escalation of tension in the region.” He confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump had not provided Putin with detailed information ahead of the strikes.
“There was no detailed information,” Peskov said. “The topic of Iran itself was repeatedly discussed by the presidents during their most recent conversations… but there was no direct detailed information about this.”
On Russia’s potential role moving forward, Peskov said any assistance would depend on Iran’s needs, adding that Moscow’s offer to mediate remains an active form of support.
Before the airstrikes, Russia had warned that any military intervention by the United States could destabilize the region and lead to serious consequences, including risks to nuclear infrastructure.
The meeting underlined Russia’s continued efforts to position itself as a central diplomatic actor in the unfolding crisis, while reaffirming its strategic alignment with Tehran.