St. Petersburg [Russia], June 19: Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to mediate between Iran and Israel amid escalating hostilities, saying a resolution is possible that addresses both Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and Tel Aviv’s national security concerns.
Speaking during a meeting with global media leaders on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, Putin revealed he is in direct contact with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Israel-Iran conflict. He added that Russia has engaged in “detailed discussions” with both nations and shared proposals with Iranian officials.
“In general, it is possible to meet Iran’s interests in peaceful nuclear energy and at the same time address Israel’s concerns about its national security,” Putin said, emphasizing diplomacy over confrontation.
According to a Kremlin statement via TASS, Putin also confirmed Russia’s readiness to act as a mediator during a phone call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “Russia is ready to provide mediation assistance in promoting dialogue between the parties to the conflict,” the Kremlin stated.
Highlighting Russia’s longstanding involvement in Iran’s civilian nuclear program, Putin referenced the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, which was originally designed by German engineers and later completed by Russian state corporation Rosatom. He said Russian specialists continue to work there, numbering up to 600 personnel. “We are not leaving. Isn’t that support?” Putin remarked.
On Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, Putin noted that such actions have only strengthened domestic support for the Iranian leadership: “Despite all the complexity of the ongoing domestic political processes, society in Iran is uniting around its leadership,” he said.
When asked about a hypothetical assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin dismissed the question outright, calling it a “scenario I won’t even discuss.”
Meanwhile, in a national address, Khamenei warned that any US strike on Iran would bring “irreparable consequences.” Responding to US President Trump’s calls for Iranian surrender, Khamenei stated, “The Iranian nation cannot be surrendered. Any military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.”
President Trump, during a White House press interaction, confirmed that he had spoken with Putin on June 17 about both the Ukraine conflict and the growing crisis in West Asia. He also reacted humorously to Russia’s mediation offer, saying, “I said, ‘Vladimir, let’s mediate Russia first. You can worry about this later.’”
The Israel-Iran conflict intensified on June 13 when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Iran retaliated with missile strikes, further escalating tensions in the region.