Putin: “We are making efforts to assist the Iranian people.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned recent U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites as “absolutely unprovoked aggression” and warned they are pushing the world toward a “very dangerous line.”
Speaking in Moscow on Monday during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Putin said, “The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification.” He added, “We are making efforts to assist the Iranian people.”
Araqchi passed on best wishes from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but did not confirm reports of delivering a letter seeking further support. Later, Putin told military recruits, “Extra-regional powers are also being drawn into the conflict… All this brings the world to a very dangerous line.”
Despite a strategic partnership signed earlier this year, Russia has not pledged military support to Iran. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated, “Our strategic partnership with Iran is unbreakable,” but avoided specifics.
At the UN, Russia joined China and Pakistan in calling for an immediate ceasefire, accusing the U.S. of repeating past “fairytales” that led to regional suffering.