Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss the ongoing war with the United States, as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict show signs of stalling. The meeting underscored Russia’s delicate balancing act: trying to support its ally Iran while protecting its broader interests, especially its war in Ukraine and relations with Israel and Gulf Arab states
In his opening remarks, Putin said he had received a message from Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
He praised the Iranian people for fighting “courageously and heroically” for their independence and sovereignty.“We will do everything in your interests, in the interests of the people of the region, so that peace gets achieved as soon as possible,” Putin told Araghchi.Araghchi’s visit came after a weekend of shuttle diplomacy in Pakistan and Oman, both of which have tried to mediate between Tehran and Washington. He had been scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Pakistan, but Trump abruptly canceled the trip, signaling that the two sides remain far apart on a comprehensive deal.
After landing in St. Petersburg, Araghchi told Russian state media that the United States had requested negotiations and that Iran was considering it. He said the purpose of his trip was to discuss the war with Putin and conduct “necessary coordination.”
Analysts suggest one possible path forward could be a phased approach: first ending active fighting and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, then moving to broader talks. Omid Memarian of the Washington-based group DAWN noted that Putin could use his ties with Iran as leverage to push Trump toward such an arrangement.
The mutual blockades — Iran closing most traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. blockading Iranian ports — have driven up global energy prices, giving Russia a temporary windfall from higher oil and gas revenues. However, analysts warn this benefit is short-lived. Russia risks losing long-term influence if it becomes too closely tied to Iran while alienating Gulf states, Israel, and the Trump administration.
“Russia is still trying to be cautious in the areas where Iran needs it most — primarily regarding the supply of weaponry,” Smagin said. “It does not want to ruin its relationships with the Gulf states, Israel, and Trump.”
The meeting between Araghchi and Putin highlights how the Iran-U.S. war has become intertwined with larger geopolitical struggles. While Russia offers diplomatic and limited material support to Iran, it appears unwilling to risk its more important objectives — especially in Ukraine — for Tehran’s sake. Negotiations remain stalled for now, with both sides continuing to claim they hold the upper hand. Whether Putin can help bridge the gap or will simply use the situation for leverage remains to be seen.
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