The Kremlin said on Monday that it remains in constant contact with Iran’s leadership following what it described as “outright aggression” against Tehran. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a “cynical” act, while the Russian Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. and Israel of pushing the Middle East “into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation.”
Disappointment Over Failed Negotiations
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed deep disappointment at the collapse of talks mediated by Oman, which Moscow had viewed as showing “significant progress.” He emphasized that Russia is analyzing the situation and drawing its own conclusions after Washington opted for military action despite promising diplomatic signals.
Peskov also confirmed that Putin was scheduled to make an Iran-related international phone call on Monday, without revealing the recipient. He highlighted that Russia continues dialogue with both Iranian officials and leaders of other countries affected by the conflict, including states in the Persian Gulf.
Analysis
Russia’s statements signal a careful balancing act: condemning U.S. and Israeli military actions while maintaining its role as a key interlocutor in the region. By staying in close contact with Tehran, Moscow preserves influence over Iran’s response and positions itself as a counterweight to Western pressure.
This approach allows Russia to assert its relevance in Middle Eastern geopolitics, signal displeasure to Washington and Tel Aviv, and maintain leverage over regional allies. In the short term, Russia’s involvement could act as a stabilizing factor, but it also underscores Moscow’s stake in the unfolding conflict and its potential to shape future diplomatic or military outcomes.
With information from Reuters.
