Iran security chief meets Putin in Moscow to deliver Khamenei letter

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Iran’s top security official in Moscow, where the two discussed regional security and post-war arrangements amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, met with Putin at the Kremlin on Thursday. During the session, Rezaei presented a personal message sent by Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV. Details regarding the exact contents of the communication were not disclosed.

Following the discussion, Rezaei explained that the talks addressed regional security frameworks, efforts to halt American actions against Tehran, and future cooperation once hostilities conclude. He stated that the dialogue also covered economic matters, specifically plans to expand energy links through a proposed natural gas pipeline connecting Russia to Iran. The proposed infrastructure is intended to relieve Iranian fuel deficits while allowing Moscow to supply gas to neighboring markets.

Rezaei noted that his travel to the Russian capital had been delayed by nearly a month because of continuous consultations over military developments across the Middle East. He also pointed out that Khamenei had emphasized delivering the letter without unnecessary delay. Just a day prior, the Iranian supreme leader issued a statement urging the country to establish total deterrence and rejecting any concession toward Washington.

The meeting occurred alongside broader diplomatic activity to de-escalate the conflict, with Qatar actively mediating. Regional tensions remain focused on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, an American naval blockade affecting Iranian ports, economic penalties, and the status of Iran's nuclear program.

Rezaei reiterated that Tehran would maintain its closure of the Strait of Hormuz and decline negotiations with Washington until the United States satisfies seven specific demands. According to the Iranian official, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to assist in bringing an end to the conflict.

In addition, Rezaei briefed the Russian president on recent four-party discussions involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, stating that regional stability should be managed locally without outside military interference. Concurrently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted counterparts across the Middle East, including officials in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Kuwait, to review ongoing initiatives aimed at halting the fighting.