Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he held productive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they thoroughly discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East following recent strikes by the United States and Israel on the Islamic Republic.

“I had a good meeting with Mr. Putin... During the meeting, we discussed in detail what is happening now. The consequences of this for the region, the international community, and the non-proliferation regime are a matter of our shared concern,” he told Iran’s state news agency IRNA.

According to U.S. officials, on the night of June 22, strikes targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Washington said the goal was to destroy or significantly degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

President Donald Trump stated that Tehran must “end this war” or face far more serious consequences. Nevertheless, Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized that the U.S. is not at war with Iran. In Tehran, the strikes were described as barbaric and criminal.

Araqchi stressed that diplomatic channels should always remain open, but added that this is “not the time.” He said the United States had betrayed diplomacy, and that Iran would take all necessary measures to protect its security and national interests.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said the country’s nuclear industry development would continue uninterrupted.

The U.S. strikes drew widespread international criticism. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called the attacks a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to global peace and security. Russia strongly condemned the U.S. actions, labeling them a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter, and Security Council resolutions. Moscow expects an honest response from the International Atomic Energy Agency.