Moscow (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi landed in Russia to deliver a message from the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian state media reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump has consistently warned Iran of bombings and additional tariffs if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington regarding its contentious nuclear program. Moreover, the United States has deployed more warplanes to the area.
Last weekend, the U.S. and Iran engaged in talks in Oman, which both parties characterised as positive and constructive. As they prepare for a second round of discussions scheduled in Rome this weekend, Araqchi stated on Wednesday that Iran’s right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable.
Western nations assert that Iran is enriching uranium to a level of fissile purity that exceeds what is acceptable for a civilian energy programme, nearing the threshold appropriate for atomic bomb development. Iran has long denied any ambitions for nuclear arms.
Is Russia positioning as mediator or ally?
Russia has declared that any military action against Iran would be deemed illegal and unacceptable. On Tuesday, the Kremlin refrained from commenting when questioned about Russia’s willingness to manage Iran’s enriched uranium supplies as part of a potential future nuclear agreement with the United States.
Although Moscow has purchased weapons from Iran for the Ukraine conflict and agreed to a 20-year strategic partnership with Tehran earlier this year, their relationship has historically faced significant challenges, dating back to the 16th century when Muscovy first established ties with the Persian Empire.
Iranian officials assert that while Moscow frequently adopts a tough rhetoric, it is cautious about being pulled into a significant conflict in the Middle East. The agreement between Iran and Russia does not contain a mutual defence provision.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained good relations with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, particularly since both Russia and Iran are portrayed as adversaries by the West. However, Moscow is eager to avoid provoking a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
