Rezaei in Moscow: Delivering Khamenei's Letter Amidst Stalled Peace Talks
The Iranian security chief met President Putin in the Senate Palace to discuss regional defense and energy, while Tehran maintains a hard line on negotiating the war's end.
By Mei Lin ·
Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, arrived in Moscow on Thursday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The primary objective of the visit was to coordinate security strategies for the Middle East as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue.
Rezaei conveyed a written message from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to the Russian leader. According to reports from Press TV, the Iranian state broadcaster, Khamenei instructed that the letter be delivered as quickly as possible. Although the trip was planned nearly a month ago, Rezaei said the journey was postponed due to rapid changes in the military situation.
After the talks, Rezaei stated that the discussions focused on post-war security arrangements. He emphasized that Russia continues to support Iran against what he termed American aggression. The two sides also examined the potential for building gas pipelines from Russia to Iran to strengthen their energy sector.
The meeting occurred while Qatar leads a diplomatic push to resolve the war. Concerns have risen that the United States might resume military strikes following its midterm elections held on Tuesday. In that election, Donald Trump's Republican Party lost control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Many observers link this political shift to public frustration over rising prices caused by the war.
Current peace negotiations address several core issues, including the status of the Strait of Hormuz, the US blockade of Iranian ports, sanctions enforcement, and nuclear talks. Rezaei declared that Tehran will not discuss ending the war or reopening the strait until Washington meets seven specific demands. He stated that Iran will hold its current position until those conditions are satisfied.
Putin told Rezaei that Russia is ready to support efforts to end the conflict. This aligns with a statement Putin made last month to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Rezaei also briefed Putin on a late October meeting in Tehran that included representatives from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan. Putin expressed a positive view of that regional gathering.
Rezaei noted that both Russia and China believe the region requires internal security mechanisms. He argued that foreign nations should avoid interfering in the area's stability. The Kremlin has not yet released an official account of the discussions, which took place in the Senate Palace. In parallel, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held phone calls with counterparts from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Turkiye, and Jordan to discuss regional developments.
The diplomatic move follows a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed by Russia and Iran in January 2025. The agreement, which took effect in October, covers trade, military cooperation, science, and education but lacks a mutual defense clause. Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia also announced on Saturday that Iran purchased Russian Su-35 fighter jets. He said the aircraft will arrive after the war ends, with pilot training already complete.
