In the wake of unprecedented U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities, the Islamic Republic has turned to its long-standing ally, Russia, for diplomatic and strategic support. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Moscow today to meet with President Vladimir Putin, delivering a personal letter from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and urging a unified response to what Tehran has labeled an “unprovoked act of aggression.”
The U.S. strikes, which targeted Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, have drawn sharp condemnation from Iranian officials and sparked fears of a broader regional conflict. During the high-level talks in Moscow, Foreign Minister Araghchi thanked Russia for its vocal opposition to the attacks and emphasized the need for “firm international resistance against violations of sovereignty and international law.”
President Putin echoed these sentiments, calling the strikes “completely illegitimate” and warning that they have pushed the world “to a very dangerous line.” While reaffirming Russia’s commitment to its alliance with Iran, the Kremlin has so far stopped short of offering direct military assistance, citing the need to avoid further escalation.
The diplomatic outreach comes amid growing tensions across the Middle East. Iran has vowed to retaliate, while also considering suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in protest of what it perceives as biased oversight.