As global tensions flare over the Middle East crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning: the U.S. military strikes on Iran are unjustified and risk pushing the world toward catastrophic consequences.
On Monday, Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi at the Kremlin. The high-level meeting also included key Russian figures such as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the head of military intelligence, Igor Kostyukov. The Iranian envoy reportedly delivered a personal message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, although Moscow has not confirmed the contents.
In his remarks, Putin didn’t mince words. “The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification,” he stated. “We are making efforts to support the Iranian people,” he added, without specifying what form that support might take.
Putin emphasized that the conflict’s escalation, particularly involving non-regional powers like the United States, was bringing the world to a “very dangerous line.” While avoiding directly naming the U.S., the context of his warning was clear.
The visit comes amid rising fears of a wider regional conflict after the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, with both President Trump and Israeli officials openly discussing the possibility of regime change in Tehran. Iran, feeling increasingly isolated, is turning to Russia for greater support — but according to sources, Tehran is disappointed by what it sees as lukewarm backing from Moscow.
Despite signing a 20-year strategic partnership agreement earlier this year, Russia has yet to offer Iran military aid or a clear defense commitment. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov declined to confirm whether Iran had requested arms or other military assistance, saying only that “our strategic partnership with Iran is unbreakable.”
However, Russia remains cautious. As it continues its war in Ukraine, the Kremlin appears reluctant to become directly entangled in another major conflict — especially one involving the United States. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the dialogue between Moscow and Washington would continue and called the Iran crisis a “separate process.”
Internally, voices are growing louder in Russia urging more concrete support for Iran, such as supplying air defense systems, missiles, or intelligence — similar to what the U.S. has given Ukraine. But the Kremlin remains undecided.
At the United Nations, Russia joined China and Pakistan in calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East. Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia strongly criticized U.S. actions, drawing a parallel to America’s 2003 invasion of Iraq. “Once again, we’re asked to believe the U.S.’s fairytales,” he said. “Clearly, history has taught our American colleagues nothing.”
With the stakes rising by the day and alliances shifting, the world is bracing for what could become a larger geopolitical showdown.
