Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed mediating a resolution between Israel and Iran, suggesting Moscow could help negotiate a settlement that balances Iran’s desire for peaceful nuclear development with Israeli security concerns.
He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, describing it as “a delicate issue,” but expressed confidence that a solution is possible. Putin emphasized Russia’s non-impositional approach, sharing proposals with Iran, Israel, and the U.S. while leaving the ultimate decisions to the countries involved.
Putin’s mediation offer highlights Russia’s long-standing strategy of maintaining ties with both Israel and Iran. Moscow’s ability to cultivate strong economic and military ties with Tehran while preserving diplomatic relations with Israel positions it as a potential intermediary.
Putin made the offer during a meeting with senior international news leaders, coinciding with his earlier conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. While Putin advocated for dialogue, Trump downplayed the initiative, urging Putin to resolve the Ukraine conflict first.
Russia Expands Nuclear Role in Iran, Rejects Ceasefire While Backing Trump’s Ukraine Stance
During the same discussion, Putin detailed Russia’s involvement in Iran’s nuclear energy sector, including the construction of additional reactors at the Bushehr power plant, where over 200 Russians are currently working.
He stressed that Tehran has not requested military assistance from Moscow, despite the existence of a strategic partnership treaty. Russia previously offered to build a full air defense system for Iran, but Tehran declined. Israel, meanwhile, has reportedly neutralized some of Iran’s Russian-supplied defense systems during past strikes.
Putin Offers to Mediate Israel Iran Tensions While Doubling Down on Ukraine and Global AlliancesPutin’s comments came amid shifting rhetoric from Trump, who initially welcomed the idea of Russian mediation in the Middle East but later dismissed it, urging Putin to focus on Ukraine. Putin praised Trump’s position on the Ukraine war, asserting that the conflict might not have occurred if Trump had been in office in 2022.
However, Putin rejected a 30-day ceasefire proposal from Trump, instead demanding a halt to Ukraine’s mobilization and Western arms support as preconditions for peace.
Putin Reaffirms Military Goals in Ukraine, Strengthens Ties Amid Western Economic Isolation
Despite expressing openness to negotiations, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s military objectives in Ukraine, insisting on the country’s “demilitarization.” He warned that if talks fail, Russia will achieve its goals through force.
Putin criticized Western military aid to Ukraine and issued a stern warning to Germany against supplying long-range Taurus missiles. He dismissed fears of a Russian attack on NATO countries as unfounded, pointing to NATO’s larger defense budget in comparison to Russia’s.
While addressing reporters at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin underscored Russia’s economic progress and ongoing efforts to attract investment, primarily from countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, due to Western boycotts.
He met with BRICS representatives and leaders from countries like Indonesia and Bahrain, further signaling Russia’s pivot toward non-Western alliances. Putin’s outreach underscores a broader strategy to counter Western isolation through strengthened ties with emerging global powers.