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Iran turns to Russia after US bombing: Will Putin be of any help?

After the US bombed Iran's nuclear sites, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rushed to Moscow for urgent talks. But while Russia condemned the strikes, President Vladimir Putin signalled neutrality due to close ties with Israel. Despite a strategic partnership, Iran may find its powerful ally unwilling to escalate, leaving Tehran more isolated than ever read more Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with editors of the federal lineup of history textbooks for grades 5 to 11 of secondary school as well as vocational schools, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, June 22, 2025. File Image/Sputlink via Reuters Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has travelled to Moscow for a high-level diplomatic consultation with President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials. The visit, which follows US military strikes on Iran's key nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan under Operation Midnight Hammer, signals a critical moment in Iran-Russia ties, testing the limits of their strategic cooperation. While addressing a conference in Istanbul prior to his departure, Araghchi highlighted the importance of Iran's long-standing relationship with Russia, stating that both sides 'always consult with each other and coordinate our positions.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His arrival in the Russian capital was announced just hours after the military operation by the United States, which used 14,000-kg bunker-buster bombs to target what Washington claims were active components of Iran's nuclear programme. The Iranian foreign minister, speaking on social media, sharply criticised the US operation. 'The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations… Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour.' He added, 'In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.' How Moscow is walking a diplomatic tightrope Though Tehran and Moscow have deepened their cooperation in recent years — particularly following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — Putin has taken a measured stance on the recent escalation. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin explained that Russia's neutrality is influenced by domestic and regional considerations, particularly the significant number of Russian-speaking citizens in Israel. 'Almost two million people from the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation reside in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this into account in Russia's contemporary history.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This demographic factor, coupled with Moscow's multi-directional diplomacy in West Asia, has shaped a cautious Russian posture. The Kremlin maintains working relationships with Israel, Arab states and Islamic countries alike. With 15 per cent of its own population identifying as Muslim and holding observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Moscow continues to present itself as a neutral but influential actor in regional affairs. Although Russia condemned the US strikes on Iranian territory, calling them a violation of international law, its response has been restrained. The Russian foreign ministry stated: 'An irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb strikes, no matter what arguments it is presented with… It is particularly alarming that the strikes were carried out by a country that is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.' How the Iran-Russia relationship is a partnership with limits The strategic partnership between Iran and Russia has flourished under pressure from Western sanctions, with both countries collaborating on areas such as drone manufacturing, satellite technology, and nuclear energy. After Russia began its Ukraine invasion, Iran provided Moscow with Shahed drones, which were later used in attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Reports suggest that Moscow may have compensated Tehran with over $100 million worth of gold for these transactions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite these developments, Putin has made clear that Iran has not sought Russian military assistance in this crisis, and their recently signed comprehensive partnership treaty does not contain any provisions related to defence cooperation. As Putin explained, the agreement focuses on non-military collaboration. Russia's posture also indicates it will not escalate its involvement beyond diplomacy. Iran, on its part, has declared that it will not return to the negotiating table until it has retaliated. Araghchi has added Iran was already at the negotiating table and it was the US and Israel who 'blew up' talks. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addresses a special session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, June 20, 2025. File Image/Reuters While Moscow has attempted to act as a mediator, US President Donald Trump declined such efforts. When Putin offered to mediate between Iran and Israel, Trump dismissed the proposal: 'Do me a favour, mediate your own. Let's mediate Russia first. You can worry about this later.' How the conflict has put Moscow in a dilemma Following recent losses in Syria — where rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad, a long-time Russian ally — the perception that Moscow is pulling back from full-scale commitments in West Asia has only grown stronger. Even as Russia continues its cooperation with Iran in certain strategic sectors, including local production of Iranian drone designs, it has avoided deeper military entanglement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Kremlin has historically been cautious about Iran crossing the nuclear threshold, wary of losing leverage over Tehran and provoking further US military action in the region. Meanwhile, the geopolitical fallout is benefiting Moscow in some respects. The intensification of hostilities in the region has distracted international attention from Ukraine. At the G7 summit in Canada, global powers opted not to lower the price ceiling on Russian oil, which remains capped at $60 per barrel — a potential boon to Russia's oil-dependent economy. Iran's foreign minister's visit to Moscow reflects a need for diplomatic cover and strategic reassurance at a time when Tehran finds itself increasingly isolated. Iran expects Russia to take a more active role both in the UN Security Council and in the region amid heightened tensions with the United States, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday. Yet Russia, despite condemning US actions, has offered no indications that it will go beyond rhetoric. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies