Monday, 25 May 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia June 23, 2025. Sputnik
Putin blasts US attack in Iran meeting
MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday told Iran’s foreign minister that the U.S. airstrikes against Iran were unjustified, emphasizing that Moscow was working to support the Iranian people, according to Reuters.
Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Moscow, just two days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered bombers to target Iran’s three primary nuclear facilities.
“The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran is baseless and unjustifiable,” Putin stated during a televised meeting with Araqchi.
“We are committed to doing what we can to help the people of Iran,” he continued.
“I’m pleased you are here in Moscow today—this gives us the chance to discuss these urgent matters and explore possible solutions together.”
In response, Araqchi told Putin that Iran’s actions were in self-defense and expressed appreciation for Russia’s condemnation of the U.S. strikes. He also delivered greetings from Iran’s supreme leader and president.
“Russia stands today on the right side of history and international law,” Araqchi remarked.
Despite these assurances of support, it remains uncertain what steps Russia may take to assist Iran, a key ally. In January, the two countries signed a strategic cooperation agreement, but it did not include a provision for mutual defense.
Before Saturday’s U.S. strikes, Moscow had cautioned that American military intervention could destabilize the region and drag it into chaos.
Asked about Russia’s potential support for Tehran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “It depends on what Iran requires.” He noted that Moscow’s offer to mediate the crisis was, in itself, a form of assistance.
Peskov also condemned the U.S. actions.
“We’re seeing an escalation, as more actors become involved—or rather, as more have already done so. The region is entering a new spiral of tension,” he told reporters.
“Of course, we condemn these actions and deeply regret the situation. We still need to determine what happened to Iran’s nuclear facilities and whether there’s a risk of radiation.”
Peskov added that President Trump had not provided Putin with specific details about the planned strikes beforehand.
“There was no detailed information shared. Iran was a recurring topic in recent presidential discussions, and Russia made certain proposals, but no direct, detailed information regarding these strikes was given,” he said.