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World
Russian President Vladimir Putin received Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday in Saint Petersburg, saying Moscow would do everything in its power to help Tehran, while Araghchi welcomed Russian support amid Iran's war, stating that "recent events have shown the depth and strength of the strategic partnership."
Putin met Araghchi at the Presidential Library in Saint Petersburg and said he had received a letter last week from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, asking Araghchi to convey that Russia "intends to continue its strategic relationship with Tehran."
Putin told Araghchi he hopes the Iranian people will overcome what he described as a "difficult period" and that peace will prevail. Putin added: "For our part, 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," as reported by Reuters.
Araghchi also met with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who said Putin's talks with Araghchi "were fruitful."
Araghchi said that "Russia-Iran relations are a strategic partnership and will continue to strengthen," noting that his country "feels Moscow's support."
In a post on X, Araghchi welcomed Russia's support for diplomatic efforts and praised the strength of ties between the two countries, saying that recent events "have shown the depth of the strategic partnership."
He added: "We are pleased to engage with Russia at the highest levels at a time when the region is witnessing major transformations."
Tehran signed a 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Moscow last year, and Russia is building two new nuclear units at Bushehr, the site of Iran's only nuclear power station. Iran supplies Russia with Shahed drones for use against Ukraine, and Moscow has since begun producing these drones locally.
"It has been proven that we have friends"
Araghchi said he wanted to brief Putin on the situation in his country and expressed his gratitude to the Russian president for Moscow's support. He added: "It has been proven to everyone that Iran has friends and allies, such as the Russian Federation, who stand by it in the most difficult of times."
Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow wants to see the United States and Iran continue negotiations. He added that there should be no return to military action, which he said "serves no one's interests."
