As the Israel-Iran war rages into its second week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that he hopes for a peaceful resolution between the two regional rivals and offered Moscow’s help in brokering a nuclear deal acceptable to both sides.
Speaking during a roundtable with international journalists, Putin emphasized the need for caution and diplomacy, adding that Russia’s proposal envisions allowing Iran to continue a peaceful atomic program while addressing Israel’s security concerns.
“This is a delicate issue, and of course we need to be very careful here,” Putin said. “But in my opinion, a solution can be found.”
He further said Moscow had shared its ideas with Tehran, Tel Aviv, and Washington, but stressed, “We are not imposing anything on anyone… the decision is up to the political leadership of these countries.”
The Russian leader strongly rejected media speculation that the U.S. or Israel might consider targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“I do not even want to discuss this possibility. I do not want to,” he said bluntly, describing Iran as a society that has now consolidated around its political leadership in the face of external threats.
In a sharp rebuttal, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Putin’s mediation offer during remarks at the White House.
“I spoke to him yesterday… he actually offered to help mediate,” Trump said. “I said, ‘Do me a favor, mediate your own.’”
“Vladimir, let’s mediate Russia first. You can worry about this later,” Trump quipped, referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which continues to draw international concern.
The tensions reached new heights after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” last Friday, targeting multiple nuclear and military sites across Iran. Tel Aviv claims Iran was nearing nuclear weapons capability, posing a “direct existential threat.”
Meanwhile, Tehran has vowed not to surrender, with Ayatollah Khamenei stating that any U.S. military intervention would invite “irreparable damage.”
While Europe prepares for nuclear talks in Geneva, and Iran and Israel continue to trade blows, Putin’s proposal remains on the table — for now. However, with Washington skeptical and Tehran under siege, the road to diplomacy appears increasingly uncertain.
