Putin Meets Iranian FM Araghchi, Pledges Support

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg on Monday, pledging Moscow's full support for Tehran's interests and efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East amid a fragile regional ceasefire.

Putin told Araghchi that Russia intends to maintain and develop its strategic partnership with Iran. He said he had received a message last week from Iran's Supreme Leader and asked the foreign minister to convey his sincere thanks in return. "We see how courageously and heroically the Iranian people are fighting for their independence and sovereignty," Putin said, according to statements from the meeting. He expressed confidence that Iran would overcome its challenges and added, "We will do everything that serves your interests and the interests of all the peoples of the region to ensure that peace is achieved as quickly as possible."

Araghchi, on a regional tour that included stops in Pakistan and Oman, thanked Russia for its support. "It has also been proven to all that Iran has friends and allies, such as the Russian Federation, who stand by Iran precisely in difficult times," he said.

The meeting occurred against the backdrop of a...