Russia reported on Monday that it remains in steady communication with Iran following what Moscow characterized as "outright aggression" against Tehran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russian officials are reviewing the events and drawing conclusions after strikes by Washington, despite what had appeared to be productive talks.
Peskov addressed recent diplomatic efforts, noting that negotiations mediated by Oman between the United States and Iran had shown signs of progress before the situation deteriorated. "As for the negotiations mediated by Oman between the United States and Iran, we can certainly express our deep disappointment that, despite reports of significant progress in these negotiations, the situation has nevertheless deteriorated into outright aggression," he said.
On Sunday, President Vladimir Putin denounced the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a "cynical" murder, language reflecting the Kremlin's strong condemnation of the developments. The Russian Foreign Ministry additionally accused the United States and Israel of driving the Middle East "into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation."
Peskov added that Putin was scheduled to place an international phone call related to Iran later on Monday, but did not identify the intended recipient. "I can only say that we are in constant contact with the Iranian leadership and are discussing the situation surrounding that country. At the same time, we are continuing our dialogue with the leadership of the countries affected by the conflict, including the Persian Gulf states," he said.
Russia's public comments underline its role as an active interlocutor with Tehran and other governments in the region at a moment of heightened tensions. Officials said they are analyzing the sequence of events that followed what had been described as promising diplomatic engagement and are assessing next steps in their bilateral and regional contacts.
Summary
Russian officials report continuous engagement with Iran after U.S. strikes, express disappointment that Oman-mediated talks between Washington and Tehran appear to have collapsed into violence, and signal high-level diplomatic activity including an incoming call by President Putin.