Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has slammed the recent United States airstrikes on Iran, describing them as unjustified acts of aggression.
His remarks came during a meeting in Moscow with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, held just two days after U.S. President Donald Trump authorized military attacks targeting Iran’s top nuclear facilities.
“The unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification,” Putin stated during a televised address. “For our part, we are making efforts to assist the Iranian people. I am very glad that you are in Moscow today. This will allow us to discuss all these pressing issues and think together about how we could get out of today’s situation.”
In response, Araqchi defended Iran’s actions as acts of legitimate self-defence and expressed gratitude to Russia for standing by Tehran diplomatically.
He conveyed greetings from Iran’s leadership and praised Moscow’s stance. “Russia is today on the right side of history and international law,” he said.
Despite the strong diplomatic tone, it remains unclear how far Russia is willing to go in providing concrete support. The strategic cooperation treaty signed by Moscow and Tehran earlier in January lacks a clause committing either party to mutual defence.
Prior to the airstrikes, Russia had warned that American military action could inflame tensions across the Middle East and cause serious destabilization.
When asked about Russia’s potential support to Iran, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it would depend on Tehran’s specific needs.
“It all depends on what Iran needs,” he said, noting that Moscow’s offer to mediate the crisis should also be seen as a form of assistance.
Peskov further criticized Washington’s actions. “An increase in the number of participants in this conflict is happening, or rather, has happened. A new spiral of escalation of tension in the region. And, of course, we condemn this and express deep regret.”
He also raised concerns about the safety of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. “In addition, of course, it remains to be seen what happened to Iran’s nuclear facilities, whether there is a radiation hazard,” Peskov added.
The Kremlin spokesman confirmed that President Trump had not shared detailed information with Putin about the impending strikes.
“There was no detailed information. The topic of Iran itself was repeatedly discussed by the presidents during their most recent conversations, certain proposals were voiced by Russia, but there was no direct detailed information about this,” he explained.
