Putin Expressed Condolences to Iran and Strongly Condemned Israel’s Actions Violating International Norms
In the context of increasing tensions in the Middle East and new missile strikes by the Israeli army on positions in Iran, Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin took a series of diplomatic steps. In response to phone conversations with leaders of both countries, he initiated calls to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These contacts became part of the Kremlin's efforts to respond to the escalation and to try to stabilize the situation. According to an official statement from the Putin administration’s press service, during the phone call with the Iranian leader, the Russian president expressed condolences to the Iranian leadership and people due to numerous human losses, including among civilians. The Russian leader emphasized the importance of saving lives and called for de-escalation of the tensions, which have impacted the regional situation. Regarding Israel’s actions, Putin did not remain indifferent and issued a strong condemnation. He pointed out that Israel’s operations, which targeted Iranian facilities, "violate the UN Charter and international law." In the opinion of the Russian president, such actions do not contribute to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict and could lead to further escalation of tensions in the region. Moreover, Vladimir Putin stated that Russia seeks to facilitate de-escalation between Iran and Israel. He emphasized that the Russian Federation advocates for dialogue and intends to actively involve all interested parties in this process. Seizing the opportunity, in his conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Putin highlighted the need to return to negotiation formats. He expressed Russia’s readiness to act as a mediator in resolving the conflict, demonstrating Moscow’s desire to play a balancing role in this complex region. Overall, the Kremlin’s diplomatic efforts are taking place on the eve of heightened tensions, which have already resulted in human casualties and destruction, and reflect Russia’s attempt to actively participate in seeking peace and stability in the Middle East. At the same time, calls for adherence to international law and UN norms reaffirm Moscow’s firm stance on the inadmissibility of gross violations through the use of force, which only threaten to deepen the existing conflict and further destabilize the region.