Putin calls attacks on Iran unprovoked and unjustified aggression

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, described the attacks on Iran as “unprovoked aggression with no justification or basis.” In response, Araghchi thanked Russia for its condemnation, stating that the United States and Israel are responsible for the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to a statement from the Kremlin, Putin emphasized that Moscow is making efforts to assist the Iranian people. “We have long-standing, good, and reliable relations with Iran,” Putin remarked during the meeting.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi expressed his gratitude to Russia “for its resolute condemnation of the actions of Israel and the US.” Stating that Russia is “on the right side,” Araghchi attributed the escalation of tensions in the Middle East to the actions of the US and Israel against Iran’s nuclear facilities. He noted that the Tehran administration considers the actions of the US and Israel on Iranian territory to be illegitimate, and therefore, Iran has the right to defend itself.

Araghchi also highlighted that Russia has always been a partner for Iran in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. He added that Moscow has played a positive role in negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear program.

During the meeting, Putin conveyed his best wishes to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Araghchi reciprocated with similar wishes on behalf of the Iranian leadership.

The Iran-Israel conflict escalated on June 13 when Israel launched an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to initiate retaliatory strikes. On June 22, the US struck Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. President Trump warned that new attacks would follow if Tehran did not surrender.

Following the attacks, Russia, China, and Pakistan submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council condemning the aggression against Iran.

On June 20, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi met in Geneva with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Although the parties agreed to continue dialogue after the meeting, media reports indicated that no concrete results emerged from the discussions.