Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged Moscow’s full support for achieving peace in the Middle East, telling Iran’s top diplomat that Russia will do “everything” to serve the interests of all people in the region.

During a meeting in St. Petersburg on Monday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Putin praised Iran’s “courageous and heroic” fight for its sovereignty and reaffirmed that Russia intends to continue their strategic partnership.

Araghchi, speaking on arrival, blamed the United States for the failure of previous talks aimed at ending the fighting, claiming Washington has “achieved none of their goals” in the war against Iran. He noted that the U.S. is now seeking negotiations and that Iran is considering the offer.

While declining to detail Russia’s specific support, Araghchi confirmed that Iran and Russia “have always supported” each other and that their cooperation will continue.

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