With tensions still running high in the Middle East, a wave of speculation recently swept across international media — and the Kremlin is now setting the record straight.
Reports claiming that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei sent a personal message to Russian President Vladimir Putin? Not true, says Moscow.
Kremlin Denies Claims About Khamenei’s Alleged Message
Earlier, a Reuters report suggested that Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi handed over a letter from Khamenei during his June 23 visit to Moscow.
But according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, that never happened.
Peskov made it clear: “No written message was delivered.”
He said that while communication between Iran and Russia remains active, there was no formal document or letter passed to President Putin.
Signals, Not Letters: What Actually Happened
So, what did happen during Araghchi’s trip to Moscow?
“There were definitely some communications — signals, if you will — from Iran’s leadership,” Peskov acknowledged.
But he stressed that these were not in the form of a formal letter or message from Khamenei.
Essentially, the Kremlin is dismissing the idea that this was a major diplomatic move meant to pressure or persuade Russia into taking sides.
Reuters Report Sparks Misunderstanding
The Reuters article implied a more dramatic scenario, suggesting that Iran was reaching out to Russia in a time of crisis, possibly seeking assistance or offering strategic warnings in light of rising tensions with Israel and the United States.
Though the contents of the supposed message were never confirmed, it painted a picture of Iran trying to draw Moscow more directly into its regional conflict.
The Kremlin is now pushing back hard against that narrative.
Why the Kremlin Is Keeping Its Distance
This denial isn’t just about facts — it’s about how Russia wants to be seen on the global stage.
Moscow has made it clear that while it values its relationship with Iran, it’s not eager to be seen as backing any one side in the volatile Middle East chessboard.
Russia has long positioned itself as a strategic but neutral player — maintaining ties with both Tehran and Tel Aviv, and regularly calling for diplomatic solutions over military escalation.
So, acknowledging any official message from Khamenei might have complicated that balancing act.
Ongoing Talks, No Drama
Despite the media swirl, Russia and Iran are still talking — just not through dramatic letter drops.
Peskov confirmed that regular consultations continue between the two countries, covering everything from regional security to energy partnerships and cooperation through international blocs like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Who Is Abbas Araghchi?
A bit of background: Abbas Araghchi, born in 1962, is not new to the diplomatic game.
He became Iran’s Foreign Minister in August 2024, after years of experience representing Iran in key global posts — including ambassador to both Japan and Finland.
He also previously served as a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry.
His visit to Moscow was part of ongoing high-level diplomacy, but according to the Kremlin, not the delivery of any high-stakes ultimatum or appeal from Iran’s top leader.
Final Thoughts
As the region grapples with a fragile Iran–Israel ceasefire and shifting alliances, it’s no surprise that every meeting and message is closely scrutinized.
But this time, the Kremlin insists, there was no secret message, no surprise letter — just another round of diplomatic conversations between two countries trying to navigate a complex landscape.