Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation on Friday to discuss developments in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Iran, according to a statement from the Kremlin.
As cited by Reuters, Putin told Netanyahu that Russia was willing to assist in mediation efforts related to Iran and stressed the need to intensify political and diplomatic initiatives to maintain stability and security in the region. The Russian leader reiterated Moscow’s preference for dialogue over escalation amid growing regional tensions.
The call comes at a time of heightened unrest in Iran. Protests that began on December 28 over soaring inflation and the sharp depreciation of the Iranian currency have since spread nationwide. Reports indicate demonstrations and disturbances across more than 280 locations, signalling one of the most widespread waves of unrest in the country in recent years.