Iran’s Security Chief Delivers Supreme Leader’s Message to Putin in Moscow Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, in Moscow on Thursday to discuss regional security, bilateral energy cooperation, and diplomatic pathways to resolve the ongoing conflict. The high-level meeting underscored the deepening strategic alignment between Moscow and Tehran amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

During the talks, Rezaei, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, delivered a direct message to Putin from Iran’s Supreme Leader. The meeting focused on regional security architectures, post-war planning, and Russia’s stance on what Tehran describes as foreign aggression.

“Important regional issues were discussed with Putin, and significant conversations took place regarding the post-war period and regional security arrangements,” Rezaei told state media following the summit. He added that the discussions also covered plans to deepen energy cooperation, specifically the construction of a major gas pipeline from Russia to Iran aimed at addressing Tehran’s gas shortages and opening new export routes for Moscow.

The trip to Moscow, originally planned nearly a month ago, was postponed due to intense military developments in the region. Rezaei emphasized that the Supreme Leader had instructed him to deliver the message to the Russian president as soon as possible, though he did not disclose the exact contents of the correspondence.

In a separate statement, the Supreme Leader stressed the need for Iran to maintain a stance of strength, stating there should be “even the slightest inclination towards submission” to the US, and calling for an “ever stronger” Iran capable of reaching a “point of absolute deterrence.”

The Seven Conditions and Regional Diplomacy

As diplomatic efforts intensify—partially driven by political shifts in Washington following the midterm elections—Tehran has laid out its red lines for any future engagement with the United States. Rezaei firmly stated that Iran will not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz or enter negotiations with Washington until seven core demands are fully met.

“On the issue of diplomacy, we have announced seven conditions to the Americans. As long as they do not execute our seven conditions, we will neither open the Strait of Hormuz nor have negotiations,” Rezaei declared.

The core sticking points in the ongoing conflict include the future status of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports, comprehensive sanctions relief, and the resumption of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Rezaei noted that Putin reiterated Russia’s readiness to support efforts to end the conflict, echoing previous commitments made by the Russian leader to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Iranian security chief also briefed the Kremlin on a late October regional meeting held in Tehran involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan, which the Russian leader welcomed.

“Like our Chinese friends, we believe that there should be regional arrangements and that foreign countries should not interfere in the security of the region,” Rezaei stated. The Kremlin has not yet released its official readout of the meeting, which took place in the Senate Palace, according to Russia’s TASS news agency.

Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held telephone discussions with his counterparts in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Turkiye, and Jordan to coordinate regional positions and discuss ongoing peace efforts.

Russia and Iran, both operating under heavy Western sanctions, have significantly expanded their diplomatic and military ties. In January 2025, the two nations signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty covering trade, military cooperation, science, and education. While the treaty took effect last October, it notably lacks a mutual defense clause, unlike Russia’s pact with North Korea.

On the military front, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia confirmed that Iran has purchased Russian Su-35 fighter jets, with deliveries expected to be finalized once the current conflict concludes. The necessary pilot training and logistical preparations have already been completed.

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