World
Iran’s Security Chief Meets Putin, Delivers Supreme Leader’s Letter
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin met Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, in Moscow on Thursday to discuss regional security amid growing diplomatic efforts to end the U.S. and Israel‑led war on Iran. Rezaei delivered a letter from Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to Putin, according to Press TV. Rezaei said the talks focused on security arrangements in the region, Russia’s support for ending what he called the U.S. “aggression” against Iran, and plans to deepen energy cooperation, including building gas pipelines from Russia to Iran. He added that Khamenei had wanted the message delivered promptly. The trip, planned nearly a month earlier, was postponed due to daily discussions about the military situation in the region. Rezaei did not disclose the letter’s contents.
Khamenei’s written statement on Wednesday warned against any “slight inclination towards submission” to the U.S. and called for an “ever stronger” Iran capable of “absolute deterrence.” Rezaei’s meeting came as Qatar intensified diplomatic efforts to end the war amid concerns the U.S. could renew attacks after its midterm elections. In the U.S. vote, President Donald Trump’s Republican Party lost control of both chambers of Congress.
Rezaei said Tehran would not hold talks with the U.S. on ending the war or reopening the Strait of Hormuz until Washington meets its seven demands. He reported that Putin reiterated Russia’s readiness to support ending the war. The discussion also covered a gas pipeline project to address Iran’s shortages and allow Russia to sell gas to neighboring countries.
Rezaei briefed Putin on a late‑October meeting in Tehran involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, which the Russian leader welcomed. He emphasized the need for regional arrangements and non‑interference in regional security.
The Kremlin did not immediately release its own account of the meeting, which took place in the Senate Palace, according to TASS. Separately, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held phone calls with counterparts in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Turkiye and Jordan, focusing on regional developments and peace efforts.
Russia and Iran, both under heavy Western sanctions, have strengthened ties in recent years. In January 2025 they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty covering trade, military cooperation, science, culture and education, which took effect in October. The treaty does not include a mutual defence clause. On Saturday, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Iran had purchased Russian Su‑35 fighter jets and expected to receive them after the war ends; the planes were originally scheduled to arrive before fighting began, and necessary preparations and pilot training are complete.