Iran FM Araghchi thanks Russia after meeting Putin, Lavrov in St Petersburg
Synopsis
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi's Saint Petersburg visit wasn't just diplomatic courtesy — it was a wartime signal. With Iran-US ceasefire talks collapsed after 21 hours, Tehran is doubling down on its 'strategic partnership' with Moscow, and Putin's public praise of Iran's 'courage' against 'US aggression' marks a sharp escalation in Russia's rhetorical alignment with Tehran.
Key Takeaways
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and FM Sergey Lavrov in Saint Petersburg on 28 April 2025 .
Araghchi thanked Russia for its solidarity, calling the Iran-Russia relationship a "strategic partnership at the highest level" .
Putin said Russia will do "everything" to serve Iran's interests and praised Iranians for fighting "courageously and heroically" for their sovereignty.
Iran and the US reached a two-week ceasefire starting 8 April , but subsequent talks collapsed after 21 hours of negotiations on 11–12 April .
Iran's Presidents and Russia's leaders have held three phone calls since the conflict began on 28 February .
Araghchi's visit followed a stop in Oman amid ongoing regional tensions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday, 28 April said that Tehran is grateful for Russia's solidarity and backing for diplomacy, as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate. The remarks came after Araghchi held high-level meetings in Saint Petersburg with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Key Meetings in Saint Petersburg
Araghchi called on President Putin on Monday at the Kremlin's invitation, with the Russian side reiterating its support for bringing peace to West Asia. Upon arrival in St Petersburg, the Iranian minister was received by Russian officials and Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, according to Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
Taking to X, Araghchi wrote:
Point of View
Moscow is positioning itself as Tehran's indispensable backer, a role that complicates any future multilateral peace framework. Notably, Russia's support stops short of military intervention language, suggesting a careful calibration: enough solidarity to deepen the partnership, not enough to trigger direct confrontation with Washington. The three presidential phone calls since February signal that this is an active, managed alliance — not a passive one.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi visit Russia in April 2025?
Araghchi visited Saint Petersburg on 28 April 2025 to hold high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov amid escalating Iran-US tensions. The visit was described as part of 'close consultations' between the two nations, which share similar approaches to regional and international issues.
What did Putin say about Iran during the meeting?
Putin said Russia will do 'everything that serves your interests' to ensure peace is achieved 'as quickly as possible,' according to Russia's Tass news agency. He also praised the people of Iran for fighting 'courageously and heroically' for their sovereignty and expressed hope that Iran will overcome its 'difficult period of trials.'
What is the current status of Iran-US ceasefire talks?
Iran and the US reached a two-week ceasefire starting 8 April 2025, followed by a first round of direct talks on 11–12 April. However, those negotiations collapsed after 21 hours, leaving the conflict unresolved and tensions continuing to escalate.
What is the nature of the Iran-Russia strategic partnership?
Araghchi described the ties between Iran and Russia as a 'strategic partnership at the highest level' that will develop 'regardless of everything that happens.' Ambassador Kazem Jalali noted that the two nations have similar approaches to regional and international issues, with their presidents holding three phone calls since the conflict began on 28 February.
Where did Araghchi travel before visiting Russia?
Araghchi arrived in Russia after concluding a visit to Oman, as part of a broader diplomatic tour amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.
