Araghchi Meets Putin in St. Petersburg; Russia Backs Iran's Diplomacy

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg as part of his diplomatic shuttle. Putin praised Iran's 'courage' and expressed hope Iran could navigate through its 'difficult period,' signaling Moscow's continued strategic backing despite Iran's weakened military position following the 2025 conflict. Araghchi briefed Putin on the Pakistan-mediated peace process, Iran's 14-point proposal being prepared for Washington, and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting underscored Russia's role as a key patron of Iran in the evolving negotiations, even as Moscow sought to avoid being perceived as obstructing a US-Iran deal.