Fact Check: U.S. Strikes on Iran Condemned by Kremlin as 'Unprovoked Aggression'
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly condemned the U.S. strikes on Iran, labeling them as "absolutely unprovoked aggression" during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow. According to a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin emphasized that the aggression was "unfounded and unjustified" and expressed Russia's intent to support the Iranian people amidst the conflict (source-1). This condemnation came in the context of escalating military actions in the region, particularly following Israel's military campaign against Iran that began on June 13, 2025 (source-2).
Putin's remarks were part of a broader diplomatic effort to position Russia as a mediator in the ongoing conflict, although he refrained from directly criticizing the U.S. or Israel for their actions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia's support for Iran while avoiding commitments that could provoke further tensions with the U.S. (source-1, source-3).
Analysis
The claim that the Kremlin condemned U.S. strikes on Iran as "unprovoked aggression" is supported by multiple credible sources. Putin's statement, as reported by both the New York Times and the Washington Post, clearly articulates his condemnation of the U.S. military actions, framing them as unjustified and without grounds (source-1, source-2).
However, while the condemnation is explicit, the Kremlin's approach appears calculated to avoid escalating tensions with the U.S. or Israel. Putin's careful wording and the Kremlin's lack of commitment to military support for Iran suggest a desire to maintain diplomatic relations with various parties involved in the conflict (source-1, source-3).
The reliability of the sources reporting this information is high, as they include established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting on international relations. The statements made by Putin and Peskov were documented in official Kremlin releases, which adds to their credibility (source-1, source-2).
Conclusion
The claim that the Kremlin condemned U.S. strikes on Iran as "unprovoked aggression" is True. Putin's explicit statements during his meeting with Iranian officials confirm this characterization, and the context surrounding these remarks underscores Russia's strategic positioning in the Middle East. While the Kremlin's condemnation is clear, it is also tempered by a cautious approach to avoid further conflict with the U.S. and its allies.
