Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Saturday for an immediate halt to military attacks against Iran, criticizing strikes attributed to the United States and Israel amid escalating regional tensions.
The statement was released by the Kremlin following a phone conversation between Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The exchange comes as the Middle East faces renewed instability after a wave of airstrikes that targeted Iranian positions and triggered diplomatic alarm across several capitals.
Moscow condemns strikes as armed aggression
According to the Kremlin, Putin described the bombings as an act of armed aggression that risks destabilizing the wider region.
During the call, the Russian leader offered condolences for the casualties caused by the attacks, including civilians and senior Iranian officials.
Among those killed was Iran’s long-time supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, whose death has triggered a rare leadership succession process inside the Islamic Republic.
Moscow warned that continued military escalation could widen the conflict beyond the immediate theater of operations.
Russia pushes for diplomatic negotiations
Putin reiterated Russia’s support for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations.
The Kremlin said political dialogue remains the only viable mechanism to prevent the crisis from spiraling into a broader regional confrontation.
Russia has attempted to position itself as a mediator in the crisis while maintaining strategic ties with Iran and channels of communication with other actors in the region.
Regional conflict deepens global divisions
The confrontation has highlighted growing geopolitical divisions among major powers.
Washington and Tel Aviv have framed their actions as necessary security operations.
Moscow, however, has accused both governments of violating international law and increasing the risk of a wider war.
The disagreement reflects a broader struggle over influence in the Middle East as global powers maneuver to shape the outcome of the conflict.
Can diplomacy still prevent escalation?
Putin’s call for a ceasefire arrives as the situation remains volatile.
Iranian officials have warned that further attacks could trigger retaliation across the region, while Western allies have reinforced military readiness.
In a region where crises often evolve rapidly, the decisive question now is whether diplomacy can regain momentum before military escalation overtakes political negotiations.
