Iran FM Araghchi Meets Putin In Russia As Tensions Escalate In West Asia

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Russia’s St Petersburg on Monday to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin, according to local media reports. Russian officials and Iran’s Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, received Abbas Araghchi upon arrival.

Jalali confirmed that talks between Araghchi and Putin are scheduled for Monday in St Petersburg, as reported by Iran’s Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

Speaking to IRNA, Jalali said the discussions will centre on developments following the joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. He described the visit as part of ‘close consultations’ between Tehran and Moscow, noting that both countries share similar positions on key regional and international issues.

Jalali also highlighted that the Presidents of Iran and Russia have held three phone conversations since the conflict began on February 28, underscoring ongoing coordination between the two sides.

Visit to Oman Prior to Russia Trip

Araghchi’s visit to Russia follows his trip to Oman amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

During his visit, he met Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to discuss bilateral ties, regional developments and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.

According to reports, Araghchi briefed the Omani leadership on Iran’s stance regarding the conflict and appreciated Oman’s support for dialogue and regional stability.

Sultan Haitham emphasised mediation efforts and the importance of diplomacy to achieve sustainable political solutions and reduce the humanitarian impact.

Taking to X, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei posted, “We are in Muscat for an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman—FM Araghchi’s first to the region following the recent U.S.-Israeli aggression, which has impacted the broader region.”

“Iran continues to place great importance on its relations with Persian Gulf states and remains committed to strengthening mutual trust and constructive cooperation. The Oman–Iran relationship stands as a testament to Iran’s genuine pursuance of respectful and mutually beneficial relations with its neighbors in the South,” the post read.

Tensions escalated after joint US-Israel strikes on February 28, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering retaliatory military action by Iran and leading to a wider regional crisis, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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