Putin Offers to Mediate Iran Talks in Call With Netanyahu

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to mediate discussions concerning Iran during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Kremlin confirmed Friday. The call comes at a time of heightened tension between Israel and Iran, with regional stability hanging in the balance.

According to the Kremlin, Putin expressed support for “intensifying political and diplomatic efforts” and outlined potential steps to restore calm in the Middle East. He reiterated Russia’s willingness to continue its mediation efforts and to engage all relevant stakeholders in constructive dialogue.

The conversation between Putin and Netanyahu followed a reported message from Israel to Iran, conveyed through Moscow, in which Netanyahu affirmed that Israel is not seeking war with the Islamic Republic. According to Israeli broadcaster KAN News, Netanyahu used the call to communicate Israel’s intent to avoid escalation, a message Putin reportedly passed on to Iranian leaders.

The Kremlin confirmed that Putin later spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with both sides calling for swift de-escalation. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the 20-year strategic partnership signed last year, which includes economic collaboration and regional coordination.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that “Russia is already providing assistance not only to Iran but also to the entire region,” citing Putin’s mediation as a stabilizing influence. He emphasized Russia’s ongoing role in efforts to defuse tensions and promote regional peace.

This is not the first time Putin has served as a channel between Jerusalem and Tehran. Last October, he reportedly conveyed a similar message from Netanyahu, assuring Iran that Israel was not interested in triggering conflict. “We are receiving signals from the Israeli leadership with a request to convey to our Iranian friends a message that Israel is seeking a settlement,” Putin told TASS at the time.

While Russia’s role as mediator may raise eyebrows given its close ties with Tehran, the move suggests that Israel is leveraging every diplomatic route to avoid direct confrontation while maintaining its firm posture on national security.

Putin’s engagement also reflects Moscow’s ambition to play a central role in shaping the future of the Middle East—a region where Israeli security concerns remain paramount and where alliances continue to shift rapidly.

In a volatile landscape, Israel’s leaders continue to navigate threats with a clear message: deterrence backed by strength, and a desire to prevent war when peace is still possible.

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