Iran delivers secret Khamenei message to Putin as Moscow pushes gas pipeline deal

Key Points:

• Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to deliver a personal message from Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and discuss strengthening bilateral ties, including post-war regional security.
• The meeting covered cooperation on gas pipeline construction from Russia to Iran to address Iran’s gas shortages and facilitate Russian gas sales to neighboring countries, amid Iran’s ongoing energy crisis worsened by recent conflict-related strikes.
• Discussions also included progress on infrastructure projects like the Rasht–Astara railway, a key segment of the International North-South Transport Corridor, with Russia prepared to provide a $1 billion loan as part of a larger $20 billion credit package.
• Russia reaffirmed its stance against external interference in Middle East security and emphasized the need for regional mechanisms, while also issuing travel advisories for Russians to avoid Iran and the region due to ongoing conflict risks.
• The meeting follows Russia’s prior support for Iran during the Iran war and Tehran’s backing of Russia in the Ukraine conflict, highlighting deepening strategic cooperation amid complex geopolitical tensions.