Tehran/Moscow, June 23 (UNI) Tehran welcomes Russia’s position on the Middle East escalation, particularly its condemnation of the attacks on Iran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday, ahead of holding talks with the Russian leadership.



"We appreciate the position of the Russian Federation, which condemned the attack in the strongest terms," the FM said on Telegram, as he is visiting Russia for talks.



Russia and Iran have always communicated and collaborated on every issue, and the current special circumstances in the region require an even closer and more balanced relationship between the two countries, Araghchi added.



The minister also said that he expects to discuss threats in the Middle East with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States.



"We share common concerns and opponents with Russia. We share similar beliefs and work closely together to counter common challenges and threats. Such consultations will be held on Monday at a meeting with the Russian president," the Iranian minister added.



On June 22, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed to Sputnik that Araghchi had arrived in Moscow to hold talks with the Russian leadership.



The United States struck three Iranian nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan in the early hours of Sunday. US President Donald Trump said after the attack that Tehran "must now agree to end this war" or face far more serious consequences.



The US strikes on Sunday received a mixed response globally, with the UN, Russia, China, Iran, Qatar, North Korea, Venezuela, and Pakistan, condemning the move, while countries such as the UK, Israel, France, Italy, Australia lauded the attack.



Other countries such as the UAE, New Zealand, India, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, urged immediate de-escalation, and expressed great concern over the ‘deteriorating situation’ in West Asia.







UNI/SPUTNIK ANV RN