Putin strongly criticized Israel for its attack on Iran and offered to mediate.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, expressed his condemnation on Friday of Israel's recent military actions against Iran, amid a growing escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

In separate phone conversations, Putin spoke with both Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the urgent need to solve the conflicts surrounding the Iranian nuclear program through diplomatic means.

According to an official Kremlin statement, Putin assured Pezeshkian that Russia “condemns the actions taken by Israel in violation of the United Nations Charter” and expressed his condolences for the victims of the Israeli attack.

Moscow considered that the Israeli bombings, the most intense ever launched against Iranian territory, were unjustified and hinder ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement on Tehran's nuclear program.

In his conversation with Netanyahu, Putin emphasized the importance of resuming diplomatic dialogue and resolving all issues related to Iranian nuclear activity through policy and not through the use of force. Russia also indicated that it will maintain close contact with both parties.

This statement comes after Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli attacks that reportedly destroyed nuclear facilities and killed senior Iranian military commanders.

Explosions were reported over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while warning sirens sounded throughout the country. Although most of the missiles were intercepted, some managed to hit sensitive areas.

Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov,had already earlier expressed Russia's “deep concern” over the “acute escalation” between Iran and Israel. He indicated that these actions threaten regional and international security.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a more extensive statement personally requested by Putin, accused Israel of using force unjustifiably against a sovereign nation, violating international law and UN principles.

Russia also criticized the West, accusing it of fueling “anti-Iranian hysteria” and contributing to the breakdown of diplomatic channels. Moscow warned that these acts could lead to a full-scale conflict in the region and called for restraint from both parties to avoid a large-scale war.

Additionally, it reaffirmed its willingness to mediate in the crisis and recalled that this Sunday a new round of negotiations is scheduled between the United States and Iran in Oman regarding the future of the nuclear agreement.

It is worth noting that Russia and Iran have significantly strengthened their relations in recent years. In January 2025, both countries signed a 20-year strategic partnership agreement that includes military cooperation, although without mutual defense clauses.

Russia has supplied weapons to Iran and has acquired Iranian drones and other defense equipment. Nevertheless, Moscow remains cautious about the risk of becoming directly entangled in an armed conflict in the Middle East.

Despite its alliance with Iran, Russia also keeps open channels with Israel, especially on issues of military coordination in Syria. This dual stance seeks to preserve Russian influence in the region without directly committing its forces to a war with unpredictable consequences.