As peace talks between the United States and Iran struggle to make progress despite Pakistan’s mediation efforts, Tehran is reaching out to Moscow for support. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Russia on Monday. His visit came after his trip to Pakistan and Oman, signalling that Iran is looking to other key partners to help break the deadlock in negotiations.
Iran FM Araghchi Meets Putin
During his visit, Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Putin welcomed Araghchi warmly and emphasised that Moscow and Tehran intend to deepen their strategic partnership. A statement posted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia on Telegram, noted that Putin had received a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei last week. This underlines ongoing-high communication between the two sides.
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What Putin Said
Putin praised the Iranian people for what he described as their “courage” and determination to maintain independence and sovereignty. He said, “We see how courageously and heroically the people of Iran are fighting for their independence and sovereignty. Of course, we very much hope that, relying on this courage and striving for independence, the Iranian people, under the leadership of their new Leader, will overcome this difficult period of trials and see peace prevail.”
He affirmed that Russia would continue to support Iran and do everything possible to help ensure peace in the region. At the same time, Moscow reiterated its long-standing position that tensions involving Iran should be resolved through political and diplomatic means. Putin said, “For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests and the interests of all peoples of the region to ensure that this peace is achieved as soon as possible. You know our position well.”
What Can Russia Offer?
Russia’s role is considered significant as it maintains ties with all three countries involved in the conflict, including Iran, the US and Israel. This effectively puts Moscow in a position to act as a mediator. According to Newsweek report, citing experts like Hamidreza Azizi, from SWP Berlin, Russia could help resolve one of the key sticking points in nuclear talks, Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium by potentially reviving a system similar to the 2015 nuclear deal, where uranium was transferred to Moscow in exchange for nuclear fuel.
"Russia has repeatedly signalled its willingness to play a similar role again, making Araghchi's visit to Moscow particularly significant in the context of efforts to resolve one of the central sticking points in the negotiations,” Azizi told the news outlet.
However, experts also note that Russia is not a neutral player. It has its own strategic and economic interests. While Tehran may think of seeking Moscow’s backing, it wouldn't be enough to resolve the conflict. They warn that if Russia plays a role in helping Iran, it may expect something in return, possibly linked to broader geopolitical issues.
Aurelien Colson from ESSEC Business School told Newsweek, “It can posture, obstruct and complicate Western diplomacy, yet it cannot provide the decisive military, economic or diplomatic support that would fundamentally change Iran's situation.” Meanwhile, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov also held talks with Iran’s Deputy Defence Minister Reza Talaei-Nik in Kyrgyzstan.
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