Russian president meets Iranian foreign minister in St. Petersburg

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg amid stalled peace talks between Washington and Tehran.

During the meeting, Putin underlined that Russia, like Iran, intends to continue its bilateral strategic partnership.

He said the Iranian people are “bravely and heroically” fighting for their independence and sovereignty following the US-Israeli joint military attack on Feb. 28, which has killed more than 3,300 people.

"Of course, we very much hope that, relying on the courage and desire for independence of the Iranian people, under the new leadership, peace will come to this difficult period of trials," he said.

Putin also emphasized that Russia "will do everything" to ensure that peace comes to the Middle East as soon as possible.

In response, Araghchi thanked Putin for Russia’s support amid tensions with Washington and Israel, underlining that Tehran’s relations with Moscow represent a strategic partnership and will continue to strengthen.

"As you rightly noted, it has been proven to the entire world that the Iranian people, through their resistance, their courage, and their spirit, successfully fought against American attacks and American aggression," he said. “Iran has withstood everything and will continue to withstand."

Separately, speaking to Russian media outlet Vesti, he said the US has offered talks to Iran and that Tehran is considering the option.

The meeting was attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, and Adm. Igor Kostyukov, chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

On the Iranian side, the delegation included Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that “the importance of this conversation is difficult to overestimate in terms of the evolving situation around Iran and in the Middle East.”

Araghchi arrived in Russia earlier Monday to discuss ongoing regional and global issues after a stop in Islamabad, Pakistan, where he held talks on ending the current conflict with the United States, Iran’s state-run media reported.

“The visit to Russia provides a chance to discuss with Russian officials the latest developments,” Araghchi said in a statement upon his arrival in St. Petersburg, according to state broadcaster IRIB News.

Washington and Tehran held talks in Islamabad two weeks ago, but failed to reach an agreement.

Those negotiations came after Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8, which was later extended by US President Donald Trump. Efforts are underway to hold another round of talks.