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Iran’s Foreign Minister to Deliver Khamenei’s Message to Putin Amid Tense Nuclear Talks
4/17/2025
By
ERBIL – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced Wednesday that he will travel to Moscow to deliver a written message from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, to Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a deepening of strategic ties between Tehran and Moscow at a pivotal moment in regional and global diplomacy —
Araqchi stated the message would be personally handed to President Putin during a bilateral meeting, emphasizing the importance Iran places on the exchange. Though the contents of the letter were not disclosed, the timing and nature of the communication point to serious geopolitical coordination between two nations often aligned in opposition to Western policies — particularly those led by the United States.
Khamenei’s letter likely addresses several overlapping concerns, including the ongoing "indirect/direct" nuclear negotiations with Washington, regional security dynamics, and the shared goal of countering U.S. influence in the Middle East and beyond. It may also seek Russian diplomatic backing for Iran’s position in the nuclear talks or greater coordination in areas such as Syria or in energy policy, as Iran seeks to navigate sanctions and global market pressures.
Observers widely anticipate that Russia’s response to Ayatollah Khamenei’s message will likely take the form of diplomatic backing, particularly in international forums where Tehran seeks to counter U.S. pressure. However, analysts agree that any form of direct military engagement or alliance remains highly unlikely, as Moscow continues to calibrate its regional involvement amid broader geopolitical constraints.
The diplomatic move comes ahead of a second round of talks between Iran and the United States, The first round occurred on April 12, with Oman continuing its role as an intermediary.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the upcoming talks, which could lay the groundwork for a potential return to the 2015 nuclear accord or a new framework — though signs of discord remain.
Araqchi expressed frustration over what he described as inconsistent messages from the American side, particularly from U.S. chief negotiator Steve Witkoff. “We have been hearing positions expressed by the American side which have sometimes ; that will help the negotiating process in no way,” Araqchi said, adding that such mixed signals only complicate the process.
Witkoff had earlier asserted that Iran must “stop and eliminate” its nuclear enrichment program to reach a deal with the U.S., a statement that seemed to contradict his own prior comment suggesting that Washington might accept low-level enrichment for peaceful purposes.
Araqchi warned that any future negotiation must be based on mutual respect and parity. “If negotiations are based on equal footing and are held in a respectful atmosphere, they can proceed,” he said. “But nothing will come of pressure and imposition.”
Tehran’s outreach to Moscow via Khamenei’s personal message underlines how Iran is reinforcing alliances with key global players amid growing uncertainty over the direction of nuclear diplomacy. The letter could serve as both a political signal to Washington and a strategic hedge — solidifying Russia’s support as Iran navigates the high-stakes talks with the U.S. and its European allies.