Sun Jul 20 18:00:15 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided information, formatted as a report from an Indian perspective:
**Headline: Putin, Iranian Advisor Discuss Nuclear Program Amidst Rising Tensions; Russia Denies Encouraging Iran to Deal with U.S.**
**Moscow, July 20, 2025 (The Hindu) –** Russian President Vladimir Putin held a surprise meeting with Ali Larijani, a top advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader on nuclear issues, in the Kremlin today, focusing on the escalating situation surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program. The meeting comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East and growing international concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, particularly after the recent bombing campaign in Iran involving the US and Israel.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Mr. Larijani briefed President Putin on the evolving situation in the region. Putin, in turn, reiterated Russia’s “well-known positions” on stabilizing the region and achieving a political settlement concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
The meeting underscores Russia’s continued role as a key player in the region, maintaining a cordial relationship with Iran’s leadership while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. While Moscow has provided backing for Tehran, it has been a measured approach, even following the US-Israeli action.
Separately, a German diplomatic source revealed that Britain, France, and Germany are planning to hold fresh talks with Iran on its nuclear program in the coming days. Iran’s Tasnim news agency confirmed that Tehran has agreed to these talks.
The discussions follow sharp criticism from Russia regarding a recent report by the U.S. news outlet Axios, which, citing anonymous sources, claimed that President Putin had “encouraged” Iran to accept a deal with the United States to halt uranium enrichment. Russia has vehemently denied these claims.
From India’s perspective, this situation presents a complex challenge. India has significant energy interests in Iran and strong relationships with both Russia and the Western powers involved in the nuclear negotiations. Any escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has the potential to destabilize the region and impact India’s economic and strategic interests. The diplomatic efforts being undertaken by European nations, along with Russia’s engagement with Iran, are crucial for de-escalation and achieving a peaceful resolution. India will likely be closely monitoring these developments and seeking opportunities to contribute to a stable and secure environment in the region. Iran continues to maintain that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, and that its development is purely for peaceful means.
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