Putin Pledges Support For Iran, Calls For Peace

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged support for Iran while expressing hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Middle East tensions during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg on Monday.

Putin told the Iranian diplomat that Iran would overcome the current crisis, describing it as a “difficult period” while emphasising Moscow’s readiness to support efforts toward restoring stability in the region.

“For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests, the interests of all the people of the region, so that peace can be achieved as soon as possible,” Putin was quoted as saying by Russia’s state news agency, RIA.

The meeting comes as diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington remain stalled, with both sides unable to reach consensus on key issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security.

Russia, a long-standing ally of Iran, has so far avoided direct involvement in the Middle East conflict as it continues its military campaign in Ukraine.

Araghchi’s visit to Russia follows a series of diplomatic engagements in Pakistan and Oman aimed at reviving negotiations and easing tensions in the region. According to reports, Iran recently proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz as part of a potential deal with the United States, while also suggesting that nuclear talks be deferred.

US President Donald Trump appeared to acknowledge the proposal, with a White House spokesperson stating that the “US holds the cards” in the negotiations.

Iranian state media said Tehran has continued to pursue diplomatic channels, including sending “written messages” to Washington through Pakistan as a mediator.

However, Araghchi blamed the United States for the collapse of earlier talks held in Pakistan in mid-April.

“The US approaches caused the previous round of negotiations, despite progress, to fail to reach its goals because of the excessive demands,” he said upon arrival in Moscow.

He also stressed the global significance of maritime security in the region, noting that “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is an important global issue.”

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, has faced disruptions amid the ongoing tensions, raising concerns about energy supply and economic stability worldwide.

Meanwhile, Washington has sustained pressure on Tehran, including measures targeting its fossil fuel exports, while insisting that Iran halt its uranium enrichment programme over concerns it could be used to develop nuclear weapons.

Tehran, however, maintains that its nuclear programme is strictly for peaceful purposes.