Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 17. Araghchi is also on his way to Rome, where he will meet with Trump Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, to discuss the Iranian nuclear program. Araghchi also conveyed a message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to President Putin.
There are few details about the meeting, which was also attended by presidential advisor Yuri Ushakov and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. According to Iran’s Press TV, they discussed the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement between the two nations, which Araghchi called “the most important manifestation of cooperation” between the two countries. He said that strengthening ties between the two countries, along with their cooperation and coordination on regional and international issues, will serve the interests of both nations and help maintain and strengthen peace and stability.
In addition to bilateral relations, regional issues and existing threats, the latest status of negotiations on Ukraine, Iran’s nuclear issue, and international issues were also discussed.
During a press conference following a subsequent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, Araghchi expressed some skepticism of the willingness of the U.S. to reach a reasonable settlement of the nuclear issue. “Although we have serious doubts about the intentions and motivations of the American side, in any case we will participate in tomorrow’s negotiations,” Araghchi told reporters, adding, “We are fully prepared to pursue a peaceful resolution for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.”
In his comments, Lavrov said that Russia was prepared to work with Iran to help lift some of the sanctions that have been imposed on Iran and would do anything to help mediate a negotiated solution to the nuclear problem. He underlined the importance of the relationship between the two nations, including the “flagship project” of the Bushehr nuclear complex and the road construction in Iran which is a part of the Russian North-South Transportation Line.