Iranian FM Araghchi travels to Moscow for high-level talks with Putin

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Moscow for urgent consultations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid escalating tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

According to Iranian state media, Araghchi is leading a senior diplomatic delegation tasked with securing Russia’s political and strategic backing as the region teeters on the brink of a broader conflict.

The visit comes as Iran’s top leadership retreats from public view and braces for further Western military action.

Sources in Moscow say Araghchi will deliver a personal message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and brief the Kremlin on Tehran’s next steps. Talks are expected to focus on defense coordination, energy exports, and potential Russian mediation at the United Nations Security Council.

Reuters meanwhile reported that a senior source confirmed that Araghchi was due to deliver a letter from Khamenei to Putin.

Iran has not been impressed with Russia’s support so far, Iranian sources told Reuters, and the country wants Putin to do more to back it against Israel and the United States. The sources did not elaborate on what assistance Tehran wanted.

The visit underscores deepening ties between Tehran and Moscow as both countries face mounting Western pressure and seek to align their positions on regional security and global diplomacy.