Moscow: As the Middle East teeters on the brink of a full-scale regional war, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stepped forward with an unexpected offer: to mediate peace between Israel and Iran, the two nations locked in a fierce military confrontation for the past 48 hours.
According to Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov, Putin held a 50-minute phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which both leaders expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East. The dialogue focused on the humanitarian and geopolitical fallout from the ongoing hostilities and potential steps toward de-escalation.
Ushakov revealed that Putin briefed Trump on his recent discussions with leaders from both Iran and Israel. The Russian President condemned Israel’s military operations against Iran, describing the situation as “deeply destabilizing” for the entire region. He emphasized Russia’s willingness to serve as a mediator, stressing that the war must be halted before it spirals further out of control.
President Trump echoed these concerns, stating that Iran must return to the negotiating table. He confirmed that the U.S. has a team of diplomats prepared for talks with Iranian counterparts.
In the same conversation, Putin reportedly updated Trump on a June 2 agreement in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian representatives, indicating Russia’s renewed interest in dialogue with Ukraine post-June 22—a surprising diplomatic move given the prolonged conflict in Eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, the military toll is mounting. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Iran launched over 80 ballistic missiles overnight, with 40 targeting northern Israel. Ten Israeli civilians have been confirmed dead, over 200 are injured, and at least seven remain missing.
In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 130 individuals in Iran, including six senior military generals and multiple nuclear scientists, according to military sources. The IDF has targeted missile storage sites and launchers in western Iran, urging Iranian civilians to evacuate areas near military installations.
Iran has since activated air defense systems across several regions, anticipating continued Israeli strikes. The Iranian government maintains that it is responding to Israeli aggression but has not ruled out engaging in broader diplomatic talks.
As international concern grows, Putin’s potential role as a peacemaker between two long-standing regional adversaries marks a significant geopolitical development—one that may reshape alliances and alter the course of the Middle East conflict.
