In a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Moscow, irrespective of its ongoing diplomatic engagement with the United States, according to Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali.

In a televised interview on April 19, Jalali stressed that the Russian President has echoed the same stance, insisting that Moscow’s engagement with Washington would not undermine its strategic partnership with Iran.

Diplomatic efforts between Iran and the US have gained momentum, signalling a potential détente between the long-standing adversaries.

On April 19, Iran conducted a second round of negotiations with the US in Rome under Omani mediation, just two days after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Moscow, where he delivered a letter from the Supreme Leader to President Putin.

This diplomatic thaw has fuelled speculation that strengthening ties with the West could cause Tehran and Moscow to drift apart. Jalali firmly dismissed such concerns, asserting that the Supreme Leader’s message explicitly reaffirmed Iran’s steadfast commitment to its allies, irrespective of its dealings with the US.

"The core message was that Iran aims to foster balanced and constructive relations globally, without compromising its existing ties with friends," Jalali stated.

According to Jalali, President Putin also reiterated multiple times that Moscow’s interactions with the United States would not influence its relationship with Tehran. He added that Russia considers its partnership with Iran deeply significant and that signing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty had elevated their relations to a fully strategic level, necessitating further cooperation in diverse fields.

The Supreme Leader’s letter also stressed the importance of mutual consultation between the two nations at this critical juncture, a sentiment shared by both Iranian and Russian officials, according to Jalali.

Detailing discussions between Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and Putin, Jalali explained that Russia had briefed Iran on its negotiations with the US regarding Ukraine, while Tehran reciprocated by sharing its own engagement with Washington.

Addressing concerns about Russia’s independent dealings with the US, Jalali dismissed claims circulating in Iran that Moscow had been negotiating on Tehran’s behalf without prior coordination. He insisted that any dialogue involving Iranian interests is carefully arranged in advance between the two nations.