Putin Meets Iranian Foreign Minister, Joins Ceasefire Talks, Hints at Indirect Mediation

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\r\n[The Financial News] Russian President Vladimir Putin met directly with Iran's top diplomat, who is taking part in ceasefire talks with the United States, as Moscow moved to expand its influence over Middle East affairs.
According to TASS and RIA Novosti, Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Saint Petersburg on the 27th (local time) and discussed ways to end the war.
At the meeting, Putin said, "Russia will make every effort to ensure that peace is established in the Middle East as soon as possible." He added, "I see how bravely the Iranian people are fighting for their independence and sovereignty. I hope a time of peace will come after these hardships."
He also said, "Last week, I received a message from Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei," and added, "Russia, like Iran, intends to continue its strategic relationship."
In response, Araghchi said, "The Iranian people have fought against U.S. attacks and aggression through resistance and courage," and added that they had proven they could endure this period as well. He said the strategic partnership between Russia and Iran would grow even stronger.
In an interview with Vesti on the same day, Araghchi said Iran is reviewing the possibility of negotiating with the United States. He also described his meeting with Putin as "very productive," saying they exchanged views on a range of issues, including the regional situation, and reached a degree of understanding.
Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin aide on foreign policy who attended the meeting, said, "We will analyze Araghchi's remarks, the context of today's talks, and the signals received from the United States and Israel." He added, "We may convey our views abroad, especially to close partners."
TASS interpreted this as a sign that Russia may effectively play an indirect mediation role by relaying the outcome of the meeting to the U.S. side.
Araghchi visited Russia after staying in Islamabad over the weekend, following the collapse of a second round of talks between the United States and Iran. Russia and Iran have drawn closer in recent years, including by signing a comprehensive 20-year strategic partnership treaty last year.
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km@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Kyung-min Reporter