Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharply criticised the recent airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory, calling them “absolutely unprovoked aggression.” Speaking during a high-level meeting in Moscow with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Putin pledged Russia’s support for the Iranian people as regional tensions escalate.
The remarks, reported by Germany’s DPA news agency, signal Moscow’s deepening strategic alignment with Tehran at a time of mounting instability across the Middle East.
Putin Pledges Support for Iran
“We have had long, good and reliable relations with Iran. From our side, we will undertake efforts to support the Iranian people,” Putin stated in an official Kremlin release.
Although the Russian leader did not clarify what form this support would take, the statement reaffirms a long-standing alliance between the two nations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later added that Russia’s assistance would be shaped by Iran’s specific needs, stating: “The exact form of support depends on what Iran asks for.”
Russia Offers to Mediate Between Warring Sides
While standing by its Iranian ally, the Kremlin also indicated a willingness to take on a diplomatic role. Peskov confirmed that Moscow is ready to mediate in the standoff between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, which has rapidly intensified in recent days.
The offer of mediation comes as the region braces for further escalation.
How We Got Here
Putin’s comments follow a volatile weekend marked by several major military actions:
- The United States launched airstrikes using bunker-buster bombs on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
- Israel expanded its operations, reportedly targeting the Evin political prison in Tehran.
- In response, Iran fired six missiles at US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, prompting Qatar to shut down its airspace and issue shelter-in-place orders.
Deepening Russia-Iran Strategic Ties
The Kremlin’s public backing of Iran reflects an increasingly close military and political partnership between Moscow and Tehran. Iran has supplied Russia with armed drones for use in its war in Ukraine, and both countries frequently align on issues related to regional security and resistance to US influence in the Middle East.
Putin also held a separate meeting on Monday with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani to discuss the broader regional fallout and signal Russia’s intention to remain an active diplomatic player in the unfolding crisis.
Fears of a Broader Regional War
Meanwhile, with Iran being directly attacked, Russia offering support, and US forces in the Gulf on high alert, international observers warn that the situation risks spiralling into a multi-front conflict involving global powers.
