Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Moscow for critical discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following a series of U.S. airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The visit takes place amid heightened regional tensions, with Washington claiming the strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Speaking at an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathering in Istanbul, Araghchi emphasized Tehran’s close ties with Moscow. “Russia is a trusted ally. We’re heading into serious talks with President Putin,” he said.
He warned that the attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure was a blatant violation of sovereignty and crossed a major red line. Referring to Article 51 of the UN Charter, Araghchi stressed that Iran reserves the right to defend itself and vowed a response.
In Moscow, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman and former President Dmitry Medvedev strongly condemned the U.S. airstrikes, blaming former President Donald Trump for plunging the region into another war. “Trump entered office promising peace, yet now drags America into fresh conflict,” Medvedev posted on Telegram.
He claimed that the strikes inflicted minimal damage and failed to halt Iran’s nuclear progress. “Uranium enrichment and potential armament will persist,” Medvedev asserted, adding that several unnamed countries are reportedly willing to supply nuclear warheads to Iran.
He also warned that Israel could face prolonged security threats, noting explosions in various areas. “A ground conflict is becoming increasingly likely,” he said.
Araghchi disclosed that negotiations were underway in Geneva with European intermediaries just days before the attack. “Talks were progressing, but Israel sabotaged them,” he stated. “It was Washington—not Iran—that walked away from diplomacy.”
He concluded by dismissing the Trump administration’s credibility in future peace efforts. “They understand only threats, not negotiation—it’s a tragic failure,” he added.
