In Moscow, discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi continue with the presence of a delegation, reflecting a sustained push to align positions on regional and broader security matters. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that the dialogue has extended beyond four hours, signaling a deep, multi-layered exchange that spans both strategic perspectives and practical implementations. The two leaders are listening as their ministers report on the status of ongoing initiatives, with the process described as an extended composition where ministers speak in line with the leaders’ instructions and the evolving agenda.
The Kremlin’s official channel described the session beginning with a private, one-on-one meeting between Putin and Raisi, followed by a broader set of consultations conducted in an expanded working lunch format. This structure allows for both intimate trust-building between the presidents and a more inclusive review of policy options, regional implications, and joint projects. The arrangement underscores the importance placed on high-level oversight while preserving a broader consultative framework.
Previously, Yuri Ushakov, Russia’s deputy foreign policy adviser, had indicated that the Moscow meeting between Putin and Raisi was expected to be lengthy, reflecting the breadth of topics and the complexity of coordinating authorities on shared interests. The current gathering in the Russian capital builds on those expectations, signaling a continued emphasis on substantial, uninterrupted dialogue as both sides weigh opportunities and potential compromises.
The official timeline notes that Raisi arrived in Moscow on December 7 and was welcomed by Putin at the Kremlin later that evening. While the formal focus of the talks centered on the Palestinian issue, prospects for ending the armed conflict in Gaza, and expanding cooperation across various sectors, the discussions likely touched on energy, infrastructure, and regional security considerations that could influence broader strategic alignments.
In earlier phases, Putin and Raisi adjusted their communication format, moving toward a more expansive format that enables broader engagement across ministries and senior officials while retaining a clear line of presidential leadership guiding the dialogue. This approach appears designed to balance decisive executive direction with the insights and expertise of technical teams, ensuring that any agreements are practically implementable and aligned with national priorities.