Iran Appeals to Russia Amidst Middle East Tensions

Iran's supreme leader dispatched his foreign minister to Moscow on Monday, seeking additional Russian support after the most significant U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution over the weekend.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel's public speculations about possible attacks on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and regime change have heightened concerns, with Russia fearing destabilization in the Middle East.

Though Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized Israeli attacks, his response to U.S. actions on Iranian nuclear sites remains unvoiced. Last week, Putin called for calm and offered Russia's mediation over Iran's nuclear program.

This diplomatic visit, highlighted by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi delivering a letter from Khamenei to Putin, underscores Tehran's disappointment with Russia's current level of support. Despite long-standing ties, Iran expects more substantial backing from Moscow against the threats posed by Israel and the United States.

Iran's and Russia's coordination amid increasing Middle Eastern turmoil was further evidenced by Araqchi's comments through the TASS news agency. While discussions on further collaboration continue, Putin assured that Russian experts working on Iran's Bushehr nuclear project would remain unharmed in conflict scenarios.

Russia, a key player in the U.N. Security Council and past nuclear negotiations with Western nations, remains cautious about deepening confrontation with the United States over Iran amid ongoing geopolitical tensions elsewhere.

(With inputs from agencies.)