Putin calls for immediate end to Iran-US, Israel war

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, urging Washington and Tel Aviv to halt military actions and return to diplomatic efforts.

Putin made the remarks after holding a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian early Saturday (March 7), according to media reports.

During the call, Putin expressed condolences over the reported killing of Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian also briefed the Russian president on the latest developments in the ongoing conflict.

Shortly after the conversation, the Kremlin released a statement saying Russia is calling for an immediate halt to violence in Iran and the wider Middle East. Moscow also urged all sides to abandon the use of force and return to political and diplomatic initiatives to resolve the crisis.

The Kremlin said Putin has been maintaining regular contacts with leaders of Iran and other countries in the Gulf region. During the call, he reaffirmed Russia’s solidarity with Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and dignity.

Tensions escalated after a 21-day round of talks between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear programme ended on February 27 without any agreement.

The following day, the United States launched a military campaign named Operation Epic Fury in Iran, while Israel initiated a separate offensive dubbed Operation Roaring Lion.

In response, Iran has been launching drones and missiles targeting Israeli positions and US military bases across the Middle East.

International media reports have also suggested that Russia has been providing intelligence support to Iran during the conflict.