Published On 4/28/2026
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Last update: 07:06 (Mecca time)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi praised the depth and strength of relations linking his country with Russia, expressing his welcome for Moscow’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at stopping the war in the Middle East, following a meeting he held with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Araqchi arrived – yesterday morning, Monday – in the city of St. Petersburg in northwestern Russia, where he was received by Putin, as part of a foreign tour that also included the Sultanate of Oman and Pakistan, which is leading the mediation between Tehran and Washington.
Araqchi said in statements on Tuesday: “We are pleased to communicate with Russia at the highest levels, especially since the region is witnessing major transformations.”
The Iranian minister stressed that “recent events have demonstrated the depth and strength of our strategic partnership with Russia,” adding: “We express our gratitude for the solidarity we have received.”
These statements come in light of Russian efforts to mediate in order to help restore calm in the Middle East region, in the wake of the war on Iran, which Moscow strongly condemned.
Russia has repeatedly presented a proposal to store enriched Iranian uranium as a mechanism to calm existing tensions, but this proposal was rejected by the United States.
The United States and Israel began a war against Iran on February 28, and the latter responded by launching attacks on Israel and against what it said were “American sites and interests” in the countries of the region, before Washington and Tehran announced on April 8 a temporary truce with Pakistani mediation.
On April 11, Pakistan hosted a round of talks between the two parties that did not lead to an agreement. On the 21st of the same month, US President Donald Trump announced the extension of the truce, at the request of Pakistani mediation, “until Tehran presents its proposal” regarding the negotiations, without specifying a time limit.
