Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday strongly criticized the recent attacks on Iran, calling them “unprovoked” and “unjustified” during a meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow.
Despite the harsh words, Putin stopped short of pledging any direct support to Iran, a key regional ally.
While Moscow has long served as a critical partner for Tehran, it has taken a cautious approach amid escalating tensions, particularly following U.S airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend.
“This absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran is unjustified,” Putin declared in remarks broadcast at the beginning of his talks with Araghchi.
Although he refrained from directly naming the United States in his condemnation, Putin referred more generally to the “strikes” Iran has faced.
Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had offered a clearer statement, saying: “There has been a new escalation of tensions in the region, and, of course, we condemn this and express our deep regret in this regard.”
Peskov confirmed that the Kremlin viewed the U.S action as regrettable but emphasized that Russia is positioning itself as a possible intermediary.
“It all depends on what Iran needs. We have offered our mediation services,” he said, when asked whether Moscow planned to provide any concrete assistance to Iran.
During the meeting, Araghchi praised Moscow’s ties with Tehran, saying: “Iran is exercising legitimate defence against these aggressions,” and described Russia as a “partner and companion” to the Islamic Republic.
He also underscored the strength and history of the bilateral relationship, referring to it as “very close and longstanding.”
The regional crisis has intensified since Israel initiated a series of strikes on June 13, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks.
Despite its broad strategic agreement with Tehran, signed only months ago, Russia has not responded with any military backing.
The Kremlin has since clarified that the pact does not include mutual defence obligations.
Putin noted that Russia is “making efforts to help the Iranian people,” though he did not provide any specific details about what form that aid might take.
Asked if the U.S. strikes would influence Russia’s diplomatic stance toward Washington, Peskov stated the issues were separate: “They were different issues,” he said, indicating that the developments in Iran would not derail Moscow’s broader relationship with the U.S.
Though Putin has expressed interest in mediating between Iran and Israel, this suggestion was dismissed last week by U.S. President Donald Trump.
