Putin holds talks with Iran security chief in Moscow

MOWCOW: (Web Desk) – Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, in Moscow on Friday, the Kremlin confirmed, as US President Donald Trump continued pressuring Tehran to reach a nuclear agreement.

Trump hopes military action against Iran won’t be needed

According to a Kremlin statement, Putin received the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council during his unannounced visit to Russia. The meeting came as Trump said he believed Iran was willing to negotiate to avoid potential military action, while once again warning of possible strikes.

Iran’s embassy in Moscow said discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation and addressing key regional and global issues, without providing further details. Russia, a key ally of Iran particularly during the Ukraine conflict, has offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran and continues to provide diplomatic backing to Tehran on the international stage.