Putin Holds Surprise Nuclear Talks with Iran's Top Adviser in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a surprise meeting with Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, to discuss Tehran's nuclear program and the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Larijani conveyed assessments of the worsening situation, while Putin reaffirmed Russia's position advocating for regional stability and a political resolution to Iran's nuclear issues. Despite Russia's support for Iran, Moscow has not strongly backed Tehran following the U.S. and Israel's military actions against Iranian nuclear sites. Concurrently, Iran has agreed to resume nuclear talks with Britain, France, and Germany, aiming to negotiate settlements on its nuclear ambitions. These developments come amid ongoing deadlock in Iran-U.S. talks, with Iran demanding assurances against further attacks after recent bombings of its nuclear facilities. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons but has enriched uranium beyond peaceful levels and expanded missile capabilities, raising regional security concerns.