How Iran can get out of the aggravated situation: Putin encouraged Araqchi

Russian President Vladimir Putin met today, June 23, in the Kremlin with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to discuss the sharp aggravation of the situation in the Middle East and find ways out for Tehran.

"You are visiting Russia at a difficult time — during a period of sharp aggravation of the situation in the region and around your country," Putin said, opening the meeting, quoted by the Kremlin press service.

He added that the Kremlin's position on the current events is well known.

"It is clearly stated, articulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of Russia, and you know about the position that we have taken in The United Nations Security Council," he said.

As the Russian leader stressed, "the absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no grounds and no excuses."

"We have long-standing, kind, reliable relations with Iran. For our part, we are making efforts to assist the Iranian people," he said.

"As you know," Putin continued, —I had a telephone conversation with the President of the United States [Donald Trump] and with the Prime Minister of Israel [Benjamin Netanyahu], with the President of the [United] Arab Emirates [Mohammed Al Nahyan], with the President of your country [Masoud Peseshkian]. I know that you have just met with foreign ministers in Europe."

The Russian President stressed that Arakchi's visit to Moscow "will give an opportunity to discuss all these hot topics and think together about how to get out of the current situation."

He asked to convey his best wishes to the Iranian President and Supreme Leader [Ali Khamenei].