Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed Moscow’s willingness to act as a mediator in the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, according to a Kremlin statement following a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday.
The hour-long conversation between the two leaders was described as “friendly and constructive” by Yury Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy adviser. He noted that both Moscow and Beijing share identical views on the ongoing crisis and jointly condemn Israel’s actions, which they say violate international law and the UN Charter.
Putin reportedly briefed Xi on his recent talks with both Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian territory last week. According to the Kremlin, Putin emphasized Russia’s readiness to offer mediation, should either side express interest. Xi welcomed the initiative, calling it a constructive step toward de-escalation.
The two leaders also agreed that military escalation will not resolve the situation and that all efforts should focus on diplomacy, especially in regard to concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. Ushakov reiterated that Moscow and Beijing believe the crisis must be addressed through political and diplomatic means only.
The call comes amid mounting casualties on both sides, with at least 639 people killed in Iran and 24 in Israel, according to human rights observers and Israeli officials. Israel’s strikes last Friday targeted suspected nuclear and military sites, prompting Tehran to retaliate with drone and missile attacks.
The Kremlin has openly condemned Israel’s military actions and urged restraint. Over the weekend, Putin also spoke with US President Donald Trump, during which they reportedly discussed the potential revival of nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Trump, however, has kept the door open for a more direct US role in the conflict. CBS has reported that he approved a potential plan for military strikes on Iran, though no final decision has been announced.
