Moscow, June 23 (EFE). – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday condemned the attacks carried out against Iran by the United States and Israel as “unjustified aggression.”
“The absolutely unjustified aggression against Iran has no basis or justification,” Putin said at the start of a meeting, which was broadcast live on television, at the Kremlin with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Putin sent his “best wishes” to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, and emphasized that Russia “is making efforts to support the Iranian people.”
He noted that the visit by Iran’s top diplomat comes “at a difficult time, marked by a sharp escalation of the situation in the region (the Middle East) and beyond.”
“We have good and reliable relations with Iran,” Putin said, adding that Russia’s position on the matter is “well known” and has been clearly expressed at the UN Security Council.
For his part, Araqchi thanked Putin for “firmly condemning the acts of aggression,” whether by Israel or the United States, and noted that Russian-Iranian ties now have a “strategic character.”
“Russia is on the right side of history and international law,” he said. “I hope that today we can address the full spectrum of issues arising from these events.”
He accused Israel and the US of raising the stakes each day. “They attacked our nuclear facilities, not just Israel, but the Americans as well,” he said.
“The aggressive actions of Israel and the US are absolutely illegitimate and violate international rules and norms. We are defending our sovereignty, and our response is fully legitimate,” Araqchi said.
Earlier, at a press conference, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he expected Araqchi to outline what Iran needs from Russia amid the ongoing US and Israeli bombing campaign.
“It all depends on what Iran needs now,” Peskov said during his daily press briefing when asked what Moscow is willing to offer the Islamic Republic.
He added that Araqchi would present “his proposals and vision of the situation” during his Kremlin meeting.
Last week, Putin ruled out any Russian involvement in the conflict, citing the strategic partnership agreement signed by both countries earlier this year, which does not include provisions for military participation.
Peskov also warned about the risks of further escalation, radioactive contamination, and the involvement of additional actors in the conflict, a reference to Saturday’s US airstrikes.
He denied US President Donald Trump had provided Moscow with any detailed prior warning.
As for a possible phone call between Putin and Trump, Peskov said while no such conversation is currently planned, “it could happen at any time.” EFE
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