Key facts
- Russia is in contact with Iranian officials amid escalating attacks by the U.S. and Israel.
- The attacks have resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- The Kremlin expressed disappointment that negotiations over Iran's nuclear program have deteriorated into aggression.
- Russia remains interested in U.S.-brokered peace talks concerning the war in Ukraine.
Russia has confirmed it is in contact with Iranian officials amidst escalating attacks involving the United States and Israel, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. These contacts are occurring as a recent round of "destabilisation" takes place, though Peskov did not share details about the nature of these discussions and stated Iran had not requested a phone call with President Putin.
The Kremlin indicated it remains in close communication with Tehran following attacks that have reportedly killed dozens of senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Putin extended condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over Khamenei's death, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been named to a temporary leadership council.
Peskov also expressed "deep disappointment" that negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program, which had shown signs of progress, have deteriorated into "outright aggression." Simultaneously, Moscow stated its continued interest in the U.S.-brokered peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, appreciating the mediation efforts of the United States. This comes as Kremlin sources suggest Moscow might withdraw from these talks if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to refuse territorial concessions.