Russia has expressed its readiness to assist Iran in light of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, but says the nature of its support will depend on what Tehran requires, according to a statement from the Kremlin on Monday, as reported by Anadolu.
Speaking at a press briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “It all depends on what Iran needs. We have offered our mediation efforts. This is specific. We have stated our position, this is also a very important manifestation, a form of support for the Iranian side.”
The remarks come amid intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran, which have been engaged in aerial confrontations since 13 June. The conflict was triggered by Israeli airstrikes on multiple Iranian sites, including military and nuclear facilities. Iran has since responded with retaliatory strikes.
The situation escalated further over the weekend, as the United States launched strikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday. President Donald Trump later claimed that the sites had suffered severe damage and described the outcome as “obliteration.”
Peskov also commented on upcoming talks in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He said the meeting would provide an opportunity to exchange views and allow Tehran to present its perspective and proposals concerning the current crisis.
Highlighting the growing complexity of the situation, Peskov noted an increase in the number of actors involved in the conflict. “And of course, we condemn this and express deep regret in this regard,” he said.
He added that the situation in Iran had been a recurring subject in conversations between Presidents Putin and Trump, though the Russian leader had not been informed in advance about the recent US strikes. Responding to Trump’s suggestion of regime change in Iran, Peskov remarked, “We believe that the fate of the leadership of a country should be decided by the people of that country, but in no way by third countries or the leadership of third countries.”
While asserting that the US strikes would not disrupt dialogue between Moscow and Washington, Peskov stressed that these were “independent processes.”
He also raised concerns over the possible consequences of the attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, saying, “It remains to be seen what happened to these nuclear facilities, whether there is a radiation hazard. Although we have heard a statement from the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) that there are currently no signs of radiation contamination. But these are all questions that, of course, cannot but cause legitimate concern.”
