Russian President Vladimir Putin held phone calls with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday following Israel's series of strikes against Iran.
Why It Matters
Israel launched strikes against Iran in the early morning hours on Friday as it mobilized Operation Rising Lion, an effort Israeli officials say is designed to preempt a reportedly planned Iranian attack and disrupt Tehran's nuclear capabilities. Both Israel and the U.S. have been concerned about whether Iran could be working to create nuclear weapons.
Russia is a key ally to Iran on the world stage.
The strike marks an escalation in the long-standing tensions between the two adversaries, fueling concerns of a wider war, particularly regarding the possible involvement of the U.S., which has military bases in the region. The diplomatic and economic impacts of the attack rippled across the globe on Friday .
What To Know
The Kremlin confirmed on Friday that Putin had communicated with the leaders of both countries in a statement posted online.
"The President of Russia emphasized," during his call with Netanyahu, "the importance of resuming negotiations and resolving any issues related to Iran's nuclear program exclusively through political and diplomatic means. Additionally, the Russian leader expressed willingness to offer mediation to prevent further escalation," the Kremlin said in a statement posted on its website.
Speaking to Pezeshkian, Putin "stressed that Russia condemned Israel's actions, which had been carried out in violation of the UN Charter and international law. The Russian side has been fully supporting the efforts to resolve the situation around Iran's nuclear program peacefully and has proposed concrete initiatives aimed at reaching mutually acceptable agreements," the statement said.
Russia will "continue to promote a de-escalation between Iran and Israel," the Kremlin wrote. Putin will also maintain "close contact" with authorities in both countries "with a view to resolving the present situation, which is fraught with the most disastrous consequences for the entire region."
Konstantin Kosachev, deputy speaker of Russia's upper house of parliament and head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, earlier responded by saying that Russia would stand by Iran .
"Israel's actions cannot be justified from a legal, political, military or moral point of view. The only hope, albeit illusory, of avoiding a full-scale war is a consolidated condemnation of this operation by the international community," he said, according to Russia's official TASS state news agency.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: Two months ago I gave Iran a 60-day ultimatum to 'make a deal.' They should have done it! Today is day 61. I told them what to do, but they just couldn't get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "France has repeatedly condemned Iran's ongoing nuclear program and has taken all appropriate diplomatic measures in response. In this context, France reaffirms Israel's right to defend itself and ensure its security. To avoid jeopardizing the stability of the entire region, I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to de-escalate."
What Happens Next
Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel , according to the Israel Defense Forces on Friday afternoon. Israel has said that strikes could continue over the coming days as tensions remain high in the Middle East.
Update 06/13/25, 3:50 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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