Russian President Vladimir Putin has detailed his offer to help broker a peace deal between Israel and Iran—despite U.S. President Donald Trump telling him he should be more focused on securing his own accord with Ukraine.
Putin on Wednesday was fielding questions from journalists on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia when he was asked about Iran.
Putin said it was a “delicate issue” but that he has shared peace proposals with Iran, Israel and the United States. “In my view, a solution could be found,” he added.
Why It Matters
Israel launched a series of strikes against Iran’s military and nuclear program on Friday, igniting a major escalation in the Middle Eastern nations’ hostilities.
The two have since swapped a barrage of air attacks, killing hundreds, with Iran bearing the brunt of the casualties and damage, as the rhetoric from both countries’ leaders only seems to be intensifying the conflict.
What To Know
Trump said that he had spoken with Putin on Tuesday evening and had dismissed the Russian leader’s plans to intervene.
“I spoke to Putin yesterday and he actually offered to help mediate,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.
Vyacheslav Prokofyev/AP
“I said, ‘Do me a favor, mediate your own,” Trump said referring to Russia’s invasion and ongoing war with Ukraine.
“Let’s mediate Russia first. I said, ‘Vladimir, let’s mediate Russia first. You can worry about this later.'”
It’s a turnabout for Trump, who said just days earlier that he was open to Putin mediating.
Trump’s disapproval appears to have done little to deter Putin, however, and on Wednesday, the Russian strongman announced plans to “seek way to end hostilities and to find ways to reach an agreement for all participants” in the Iran-Israel conflict.
Russia is attempting to balance its good relations with Israel, along with its close ties and strong investments in Iran. It is a fine line for Putin to walk, but it also puts him in a powerful position to broker between his allies.
Putin also emphasized his “readiness to provide mediation assistance to promote dialogue between the parties to the conflict” during a recent call with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Kremlin said in a statement.
Both leaders discussed the “extremely negative consequences” that an ongoing Israel-Iran conflict would have for the region. Putin has also reportedly offered his peacemaking skills during calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Trump has called for Tehran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER”—while warning that the U.S. knows the whereabouts of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but does not have plans to assassinate him, “for now,” the Associated Press reported.
Trump has reiterated his support for Israel but has avoided committing the U.S. to direct military engagement.
What People Are Saying
Putin said he wanted to mediate to confirm “that the interests of Iran can be assured on one hand, when it comes to its … peaceful use of nuclear energy, along with ensuring the interests of Israel including … the security of the Israel state. We have to be extremely careful here, but in my view, such a decision could be reached.”
Khamenei said on X, “We warn America of the consequences of engaging in war, because it will suffer severe damage if it decides to do so. War is met with war, bombing with bombing, and strike with strike.”
Trump said earlier this week, “We know exactly where he [Khamenei] is. We don’t want to kill him—for now.”
What Happens Next
It is not yet clear if Israel and Iran have taken Putin up on his offer to mediate as the conflict continues to escalate. Trump is said to be weighing potential options on Iran, including a U.S. airstrike.
