After the US attack, Iran sought assistance from Vladimir Putin.
Talking Tough in the Kremlin: Putin and Araqchi Discuss U.S. Aggression and Middle East Peace
- Picture this: Putin and Araqchi, in a powerful display of solidarity.
On a stormy Monday, Putin welcomed Araqchi to the Kremlin in the heat of escalating regional tensions and growing animosity towards the United States.
You're visiting at a delicate time, Putin said, addressing the Iranian Foreign Minister, a period marked by the sharp escalation of the situation and unrest around your nation. The Russian leader’s stance on the unfolding events had been made known publicly by the Russian Foreign Ministry and the United Nations Security Council.
Araqchi nodded, acknowledging the powerhouse speech from Russia‘s representative at the UN. Vasily Nebenzya's memorable words still echoed in many minds: the American attacks “opened a Pandora's box” and were harshly criticized by the Russian delegate.
The senseless aggression against Iran is baseless and unjustified, Putin stated firmly. He vowed that Russia would do all in its power to halt the escalation and risked hope on negotiations as the solution.
Ring a bell? Putin listed Russia's attempts to broker peace, recounting telephone conversations with Trump, Israel's Prime Minister, the UAE's President, and Iran's own President.
Under the table, Putin's words buzzed, with Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Admiral Igor Kostyukov, joining the conversation.
In return, Araqchi thanked Russia for its support, both in words and actions. He pointed out the close and friendly relationship growing more significant with a strategic flavour over the past years. The two countries regularly exchange insights on global security issues.
Our bond is tight and trusting, Araqchi said. We converse regularly on all aspects and matters of global security.
Iran's Ready to Respond
Minutes later, Araqchi addressed the media, emphasizing Iran's right to defend itself against unprovoked attacks by Israel and the United States, which he considered breaches of international rules and norms. This statement was followed by a private conversation.
On the Same Page, Yet Apart
An agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership binds Russia and Iran, covering economic cooperation, alleviating the consequences of US sanctions, and strengthening military and political partnership. However, Putin confirmed that Iran had not requested weapons supplies under the agreement, and before the conflict, Russia offered Iran assistance in fortifying its air defense, but the offer was declined.
At the end of the day, Maria Zakharova, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, guaranteed Russia's unwavering commitment to the agreement.
Spokesman's Take
Dmitry Peskov, Putin's Press Secretary, expressed his thoughts on the repercussions for Russia-US relations:
Don't worry, our relationships are distinct; they won’t hinder each other's path. Our ties with Iran remain essential, just as our dialogue with the U.S.
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Tune in:- US Bombing of Iran Opens Pandora's Box
The discussion between Putin and Araqchi delved into various global topics, including war-and-conflicts and politics, as they addressed the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the United States' aggression.
In the end, the conversation touched upon general news, with Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, commenting on the implications for Russia-US relations and the potential economic impact of a Hormuz shutdown.
