By Charles Pemu 
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday condemned recent attacks on Iran as “unprovoked” and “unjustified” during a meeting with Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow. Despite strong rhetoric, the Kremlin stopped short of offering direct military support to its key Middle Eastern ally.
“This absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran is unjustified,” Putin said during the televised meeting. However, he did not specifically reference U.S. airstrikes or outline any tangible Russian response.
The remarks come after the U.S. launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, escalating tensions in the region. Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had similarly criticized the attacks, stating, “We condemn this and express our deep regret.”
While reiterating Moscow’s “longstanding and close” relationship with Tehran, Putin emphasized that Russia is not bound by a mutual defense pact with Iran, downplaying commitments under a recent strategic partnership agreement between both countries.
Foreign Minister Araghchi thanked Russia for its continued partnership, affirming Iran’s right to defend itself amid rising hostilities. “Iran is exercising legitimate defense against these aggressions,” he told Putin.
Despite calls for stronger backing, the Russian president reiterated that Iran had not requested military assistance, adding only that Moscow was “making efforts to help the Iranian people” and offering mediation services to ease tensions in the region.
Kremlin officials insisted the incident would not impact U.S.-Russia relations, describing them as “different issues.”
As regional volatility intensifies, Moscow continues to walk a diplomatic tightrope — voicing support for Tehran while avoiding direct confrontation with Washington.