Iranian Security Chief Delivers Message to Putin During Moscow Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei at the Kremlin on Thursday to hold discussions on regional security and bilateral energy projects. During the meeting in the Senate Palace, Rezaei delivered a written message to Putin from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Iranian state media reported.

Following the talks, Rezaei stated that Iran had established seven conditions for the United States before any negotiations could begin or before shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened. According to Rezaei, the Russian leadership expressed a willingness to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at concluding the regional conflict. Russian news agencies had previously reported similar commitments made by Putin during discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The talks in Moscow also addressed economic cooperation between the two nations, specifically plans for constructing a gas pipeline from Russia to Iran. According to the Iranian delegation, this project is intended to cover Iranian domestic gas shortfalls while providing Russia with access to energy markets in neighbouring countries. Rezaei further informed the Russian president about a four-way meeting held in Tehran in late October involving representatives from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan.

The Moscow summit forms part of broader diplomatic consultations across the region, which include mediation initiatives led by Qatar. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conducted telephone conversations with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Turkiye, and Jordan to evaluate security developments. Meanwhile, domestic political changes occurred in Washington following US midterm elections, where control of Congress shifted amid public concern over economic inflation and the ongoing conflict.

Bilateral relations between Moscow and Tehran have expanded under a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed in January 2025, which entered into force in October of that year. While the treaty encompasses trade, scientific, and military cooperation, it does not contain a mutual defence obligation. Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia recently confirmed that Iran completed pilot training for Russian Su-35 fighter jets purchased from Moscow, with delivery scheduled following the end of hostilities.

Written by Sandy van Dongen sandy.vandongen@alpineweekly.com