Moscow announced its readiness to support Iran amid ongoing tensions with Israel and the United States, with the level of assistance dependent on Tehran’s specific needs. The statement came from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Peskov emphasized Russia’s existing diplomatic efforts, noting they had already offered mediation and expressed their position, which he described as significant support for Iran. The timing of the announcement coincided with Araghchi’s scheduled meeting with Putin, where both parties were expected to discuss recent escalations and exchange perspectives on the current situation.
While direct military assistance appears unlikely, Russia’s support could potentially focus on safety measures, containment efforts, or logistical assistance at Iranian nuclear facilities recently damaged by American military strikes. Earlier statements by Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, suggested that some nations were prepared to provide Iran with nuclear warheads, though such remarks are characteristic of his provocative rhetoric toward Western nations.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reinforced Moscow’s position that Iran maintains the legitimate right to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Responding to comments made by US Vice President JD Vance regarding Russian and Chinese attitudes toward Iranian nuclear capabilities, Zakharova outlined several key points.
She emphasized that both Russia and China primarily object to American interference in their internal affairs, citing examples such as US support for Ukraine and Taiwan. Zakharova stressed that both nations have independently condemned recent Israeli and American actions, and maintain that Iran has the right to develop its nuclear energy program within international legal frameworks, particularly the
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Zakharova highlighted that Iran’s nuclear program has consistently been verified as peaceful by both Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). She also provided historical context, noting that the concept of a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East originated from a 1958 Soviet statement, with Iran later initiating UN discussions on the topic in 1974. This resulted in a resolution supported by 128 countries, including both the Soviet Union and the United States, while Israel abstained.
Iranian state media quickly amplified these Russian statements, reflecting the strengthened alliance between the two nations, particularly since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. Their bilateral relationship has seen increased cooperation in defense and trade, despite Western opposition.
From the perspective of Ukraine and Western allies, both Iran and North Korea are viewed as problematic states supporting Putin’s military campaign in Ukraine. This has resulted in escalating US-led sanctions against these nations alongside Russia.
The developments underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with Russia positioning itself as a supporter of Iran’s sovereign rights while maintaining its stance against Western intervention in regional affairs. The situation reflects the growing alignment between nations facing Western sanctions and their efforts to maintain diplomatic and economic ties despite international pressure.