Putin Condemns US Strikes, Pledges Support for Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia June 23, 2025.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday condemned recent US airstrikes on Iran, calling them unjustified and unprovoked, and expressed Moscow's readiness to support the Iranian people.

Putin made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Moscow, held two days after US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites.

“The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification,” Putin said. “For our part, we are making efforts to assist the Iranian people.”

He welcomed Araqchi's visit as a timely opportunity to discuss the escalating crisis and explore ways to de-escalate tensions.

Araqchi, in response, described Iran’s actions as legitimate self-defence and thanked Russia for standing against the US attacks. He conveyed greetings from Iran’s Supreme Leader and President and praised Russia’s position, saying, “Russia is today on the right side of history and international law.”

Despite the expressions of solidarity, it remained unclear what tangible support Russia might offer. Although the two countries signed a strategic cooperation treaty in January, the agreement does not include a mutual defence clause.

Prior to the US strikes, Moscow had warned that military intervention could destabilise the region and lead to catastrophic consequences.

When asked what form Russia’s support might take, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it would depend on Iran’s specific needs. He added that Russia’s offer to mediate was itself a significant gesture of support.

Peskov also denounced the US actions, stating, “An increase in the number of participants in this conflict is happening — or rather, has happened. A new spiral of escalation is underway.”

He expressed deep regret over the situation and raised concerns about possible radiation risks from the damaged nuclear facilities.

Peskov confirmed that President Trump had not informed President Putin in advance about the planned strikes.