Iran Sends Foreign Minister to Moscow Seeking Russian Support After U.S. Strikes

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dispatched Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to Moscow, Reuters reports, seeking “more help” from President Vladimir Putin in the wake of the most significant U.S. military action against Iran since 1979. A senior source confirmed that Araqchi will deliver a letter from Khamenei that formally requests stronger Russian support.

While Putin has condemned recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, he has been more cautious regarding the U.S. attacks, calling instead for calm and offering Moscow as a mediator. Iran, however, is pressing for more than diplomatic mediation. According to sources speaking to Reuters, Tehran remains underwhelmed by Russia’s support so far.

Araqchi stated via the Russian news agency TASS that the visit aims to synchronize Iran-Russia positions amid growing Middle East tensions. The Kremlin confirmed Araqchi’s meeting with Putin but declined to disclose details of the discussions.

Putin has consistently offered to mediate between Tehran and Washington, emphasizing Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy. Russian diplomats assured that its personnel at the Bushehr nuclear plant would not be affected by any military action. With Russia already heavily engaged in Ukraine, Putin appears reluctant to escalate tensions with the U.S. over Iran—as Biden and Trump pursue cautious diplomacy.