Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Moscow on Monday for a high-stakes diplomatic visit that may include a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, officials said, as tensions in the region spiralled following United States airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Although the Kremlin has yet to confirm whether President Putin will meet Araghchi, the Iranian side has signalled that a face-to-face engagement is likely and necessary given the rapidly deteriorating regional situation. Araghchi’s visit was pre-scheduled but has taken on greater urgency following the recent military escalation.
The United States on Sunday launched what it termed “massive precision strikes” on Iran’s nuclear research facilities in Isfahan, Natanz and the fortified site at Fordow. The attack was carried out with the apparent endorsement of US President Donald Trump, in support of ongoing Israeli military actions targeting Iran.
No radiation leaks have been reported from any of the three targeted sites, according to early assessments. However, the absence of contamination has led some analysts to speculate that Tehran may have relocated enriched uranium from the facilities in anticipation of military action.
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Speaking to reporters shortly after arriving in Moscow, Araghchi emphasised the critical nature of Iran-Russia cooperation at this juncture. “Given the prevailing situations unfolding in the region, Iran and Russia must engage in closer, more precise and serious consultations,” he said.
Describing Moscow as a “strategic partner”, the Iranian Foreign Minister underlined the importance of sustained coordination between the two countries, particularly in light of past cooperation during nuclear programme negotiations with Washington.
Russia, for its part, has denounced the US airstrikes as a grave violation of international law. President Putin has consistently backed Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy, reiterating Russia’s opposition to unilateral military actions that could destabilise West Asia further.
While details of Araghchi’s full schedule remain undisclosed, diplomatic sources indicated that the meeting with President Putin—if confirmed—would seek to chart a course for coordinated responses and deepen Tehran-Moscow defence and energy ties.
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