Iran’s security chief meets Putin and delivers message from Khamenei
Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as diplomatic efforts intensified to end the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, delivered a letter from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who had asked that it reach Putin quickly. Neither side disclosed its contents.
The talks covered regional security arrangements, Russia’s support for ending what Tehran calls US “aggression”, and plans to expand energy cooperation. Rezaei said the countries discussed a gas pipeline from Russia to Iran, intended to ease Iran’s gas shortages while creating a route for Russian exports to neighbouring states. He also briefed Putin on a late-October meeting between Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, which Putin reportedly welcomed.
The meeting came as Qatar pursued negotiations focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a US blockade of Iranian ports, sanctions and the possible resumption of nuclear talks. Rezaei said Iran would not reopen the strait or negotiate with the US until Washington met seven demands. Khamenei separately called for Iran to reject any submission and achieve “absolute deterrence”.
Russia and Iran have deepened military and diplomatic ties under Western sanctions. Their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, signed in January 2025 and effective from October, covers trade, defence cooperation, science, culture and education but contains no mutual-defence clause. Iran has also said it bought Russian Su-35 fighter jets, which it expects to receive after the war.
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