• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Vladimir Putin amid escalating US-Israeli tensions.
• Putin condemned US and Israeli actions, labeling them as "unprovoked aggression against Iran."
• Russia has not offered military support despite its strategic partnership with Iran.
• The meeting followed recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
• Araghchi expressed gratitude to Russia for its diplomatic backing against the US actions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held significant discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 23, just two days after the US conducted airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites. This meeting is viewed as a crucial diplomatic effort by Iran to secure support amidst heightened tensions with Israel following its military strikes against Iranian facilities on June 13, which prompted Iran's missile and drone responses, according to Channel News Asia and The Jakarta Post.

During their meeting, Putin characterized the US strikes as "absolutely unprovoked aggression" that undermines international law. He asserted that these actions by the US and Israel are "legitimate," implying a need for defensive measures by Iran. Araghchi echoed these sentiments, stating that Russia is "on the right side of history" concerning international norms and has expressed gratitude for Russia's diplomatic stance. However, despite the rhetoric, Russia has stopped short of offering military assistance to Iran, a concern that reflects its cautious approach in the context of its broader geopolitical interests, according to Africanews.

The bilateral talks come at a time when Israel has escalated its military operations against Iran, including airstrikes on Tehran's Evin prison and the Fordo enrichment facility. These aggressive actions amplify the already tense atmosphere and strain Iran's security situation further. In response, Araghchi strategically seeks to bolster Iran’s standing through a partnership with Russia, highlighting the importance of consultations during "this new dangerous situation," according to Channel News Asia, The Jakarta Post, and Africanews.