Moscow, June 23, 2025 — In a major diplomatic development amid the deepening Middle East crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday declared the United States' aggression against Iran "groundless" and reiterated Russia’s readiness to support the Iranian people.

Speaking at the Kremlin during high-level talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, President Putin strongly condemned the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling them a "dangerous provocation" that risked plunging the region into deeper chaos.

"We deeply regret and condemn the recent U.S. military actions. The aggression against Iran is unjustified and lacks any legal or moral foundation," Putin stated at the start of the talks.

Putin Offers Mediation, Warns of Escalation

Putin’s remarks come as part of Moscow’s broader effort to position itself as a stabilizing force in West Asia, especially as the U.S., Israel, and Iran appear headed toward a protracted military confrontation.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also weighed in earlier in the day, warning that the U.S. bombing of Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities had "increased the number of active participants" in the regional conflict.

“We are seeing a new spiral of escalation,” Peskov said. “It is not yet clear what damage has been done to Iran’s nuclear sites or whether a radiation threat exists, but the situation on the ground gives us great concern.”

Peskov further revealed that President Trump had not informed Putin in advance about the airstrikes — a fact Moscow views as a breach of diplomatic protocol, particularly given the recent January 2025 strategic partnership treaty signed between Russia and Iran.

Though the agreement does not include a mutual defense clause, the pact emphasizes economic, military, and technological cooperation, signaling Moscow’s commitment to Tehran’s sovereignty and stability.

Iran Thanks Russia for 'Standing on the Right Side of History'

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude for Russia’s stance, telling Putin that “Russia is on the right side of history.”

“President Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei asked me to deliver their regards and appreciation to you,” Araghchi told Putin. “Your voice is powerful and just, and your condemnation of U.S. aggression has given strength to the Iranian people.”

Araghchi also reiterated Iran’s position that the time for diplomatic dialogue with the U.S. has passed, emphasizing that Iran will not tolerate any violation of its territorial integrity.

Backdrop: U.S. and Israeli Bombings Trigger Crisis

The high-level Russia-Iran meeting comes after a dramatic escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran that began on June 13, when Israel launched coordinated strikes on multiple Iranian targets, including nuclear enrichment sites and military installations.

These attacks were followed by a weekend wave of U.S. strikes using “bunker buster” bombs and cruise missiles, targeting Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan — core facilities in Iran’s nuclear program.

While President Donald Trump declared that the strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, U.S. military officials noted that it would take several weeks to assess the actual damage.

Iran has vowed retaliation, and the conflict has now entered its 11th day, with ongoing airstrikes, cyber operations, and a tense naval build-up near the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia's Strategic Interests in Iran

Russia’s response is not simply rhetorical. Over the past decade, Moscow has invested heavily in diplomatic, economic, and military relations with Iran — seeing it as a key partner in resisting U.S. hegemony in the Middle East.

• Russia is helping Iran build a second nuclear power reactor in Bushehr.

• The countries are cooperating in Syria, where both support Bashar al-Assad.

• Russia supplies defense technology and advanced radar systems to Iran.

In January 2025, the two nations signed a Strategic Partnership Treaty, a sweeping document covering trade, security, cyber defense, and infrastructure. Though it lacks a NATO-style collective defense clause, the pact underscores deepening mutual trust.

“Russia is committed to ensuring the sovereignty and safety of its partners,” said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a recent address. “We do not dictate; we collaborate.”

Kremlin Offers Mediation Role

When asked about Russia’s next move, Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow had offered to mediate between the warring parties, though it would defer to Iran’s preferences.

“We are prepared to help diplomatically, logistically, and in any other form Iran deems appropriate. It is Iran's sovereignty and will that guides our actions,” Peskov said.

This offer places Russia in a unique position, as it maintains diplomatic ties with Iran, Israel, and the U.S., and has long sought to expand its influence as a global mediator.

Global Reactions: Sharp Divides

Russia’s firm condemnation stands in stark contrast to the position of Western powers, particularly the United States and United Kingdom, who view the strikes as “preventive security actions” necessary to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, China has also echoed Russia’s criticism, calling for a UN Security Council resolution to restrain further military actions and warning that global energy markets are on the brink of collapse due to instability in the Persian Gulf.

European powers have offered mixed reactions — supporting Israel’s right to defend itself but expressing concern over U.S. unilateral action without broader international consultation.

Next Steps: Putin’s Calculated Diplomacy

While Russia’s statements are unequivocal, analysts say Putin is playing a calculated game. By taking the diplomatic high ground and offering mediation, Russia strengthens its image as a global peace broker, especially in contrast to an increasingly aggressive U.S. posture.

“Putin wants to look like the adult in the room — someone who can call both Netanyahu and Khamenei and command their attention,” said Fiona Hill, a former U.S. National Security Council official.

This may also help Russia expand arms sales, win infrastructure contracts, and gain energy cooperation deals with Iran and other West Asian nations wary of Western interference.

Conclusion

With the war drums beating in the Middle East, Russia has emerged as a key diplomatic player, condemning the U.S. strikes on Iran while reaffirming its support for Tehran. President Putin’s remarks signal that Moscow intends to play an assertive, visible role in shaping the future of the region — whether as a mediator, ally, or power broker.

As Iran prepares its response, the world now watches whether Putin’s promises will translate into action, and whether Russia’s entry into the diplomatic arena can contain what increasingly looks like a conflict with no end in sight.

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