Araghchi's meeting with Putin and the delivery of a written message from the Supreme Leader occurred while indirect talks with the US are also underway. This coincidence is not accidental; rather, it reflects the strategic path that Iran has pursued in recent years: simultaneous movement in both Eastern and Western directions without dependency on either. The Islamic Republic is striving to establish its position as an independent and balancing power within the future global structure—a position that is present in dialogue, in action, and in regional order-making.
A Message to Moscow, a Signal for Future Order
Araghchi's trip to Moscow goes beyond a diplomatic mission; it carries a strategic message from Tehran to one of the Eastern power poles. The delivery of a personal message from the Supreme Leader, the emphasis on the strategic pact between Iran and Russia, and discussions about regional order signal the gradual but ongoing shift of the Islamic Republic toward deepening long-term ties with non-Western powers. This path does not replace dialogue with the West; rather, it complements it within the framework of a multipolar order in which Iran seeks to play a role, not merely follow.
Security Puzzle of Persian Gulf and Engineering of a New Equation
While Iran and Russia discuss the future security order in West Asia, indirect negotiations with the US will continue in Rome starting Saturday. By emphasizing Oman as the "host" rather than Rome as the mediating party, Iran is effectively controlling the narrative and engineering the negotiation framework. This strategic insight is part of Iran's broader approach to redefine its position in the security equation of the Persian Gulf—one in which it is recognized not as a subject of pressure but as the architect of a homegrown security ecosystem in the region.
Completing Regional Balance With Riyadh; a Meaningful Overlap of Two Paths
The recent visit of Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi defense minister, to Tehran should not be analyzed separately from Iran's strategic maneuvers in Moscow. This meeting gains special significance within the context of negotiations with the West and cooperation with the East. By activating both northern (Russia) and southern (Saudi Arabia) axes simultaneously, Tehran is architecting a new security order in the Persian Gulf. An ideal order in which Tehran will not only be a regional player but also a guardian, overseer, and innovator of endogenous security.
In this process, creating a precise distinction between "host" and "venue for negotiations" demonstrates Tehran's narrative management. This engineering of messaging is particularly significant in light of Western attempts to appropriate the initiative.
NOURNEWS