Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday received Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, at the Kremlin, the presidential spokesman said. Dmitry Peskov confirmed the meeting took place during Larijani’s visit to Russia but did not provide further details.

According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting between Putin and Larijani comes amid heightened tensions in the region. US President Donald Trump has been vocal about urging Iran to negotiate over its nuclear program. On the same day as Larijani’s visit, Trump reiterated his statements regarding US naval movements, claiming that the US has deployed a larger ‘armada’ than the fleet used in the recent operation targeting Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

The discussions between Putin and Larijani remain undisclosed, but the timing hints at critical geopolitical maneuvers in response to US actions and rhetoric. The meeting underscores the ongoing diplomatic engagements between Russia and Iran amidst the backdrop of international tensions concerning nuclear agreements and military deployments.