Putin condemns attack on Iran, but does not offer support to top ally

Moscow is an important ally of Iran, but has not come out strong in support of Tehran, although the United States struck the weekend we left behind Iranian nuclear facilities.

This unprotested aggression against Iran is unwarranted”, Putin said at the start of the meeting.

Putin did not directly mention the US attacks, speaking generally of “over Iran, although the Kremlin had declared earlier Monday that it condemned and regretted US attacks.

“There is a new escalation of tensions in the region, and we certainly condemn this and express deep regret in this direction”, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, before Putin met Aarchin in the Kremlin.

Putin has tried to present himself as mediator between Iran and Israel an idea that was rejected last week by US President Donald Trump.

Arghchi told Putin that Russia has been a “partner and co-heiter” of Iran and praised relations between Tehran and Moscow as “very close and long-term”.

“Iran is exercising the legitimate right to self-defense against such aggression”, he added.

Serhiy Danylov, deputy director of the Centre for Middle Eastern Studies, told Radio Free Europe project, Time Current, that frustration and frustration towards Russia both within the political elite and among ordinary citizens is increasing in Iran.

According to him, Russia is perceived as a country that trades Iran's interests, and that perception is correct. Russia is viewed as a traitor a country that made promises but failed to fulfill them.

Now, obviously, Iranians will require, for example, ammunition for the Pantsir-S1 air defence system, which they use actively, and that is one of the few capacities they have left. They're going to search for air protection missiles, or general air protection equipment, but they won't get anything. Maybe some amount of ammunition can reach across the sea, but in general, Russia can't do anything for Iran now. In fact, I don't believe there is any desire to do that because for Russia, the relationship with Donald Trump is much more important than that with Iran”, Danylov said.

Since the June 13th Israeli attacks, which sparked an Iranian response with rockets and fears, Russia has not publicly offered military assistance to Tehran.

Putin and other Russian officials have also downplayed the importance of the broad strategic partnership agreement signed months ago with Iran, stressing that it is not a pact for mutual protection.

“Russia is making efforts to help the Iranian people”, Putin said during the meeting, without providing further details.

Asked what specific support Russia could offer, Peskov told reporters: Everything depends on Iran's needs. We've offered our services as mediator”.

He also added that US attacks on Iran will not affect bilateral relations between Moscow and Washington, calling them various “issues”.

Putin said last week Iran has not sought help from Russia, REL reports, broadcast Periscope.