Putin Distances Himself from Mediator Role in Iran-Israel Conflict, Says Russia Only “Suggesting Ideas”
Putin downplayed Russia’s role as mediator in the Iran-Israel crisis, saying Moscow is only “suggesting ideas.” Despite condemning Israel’s strikes, Russia has stayed neutral so far.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday played down the notion of acting as a mediator in the escalating crisis between Iran and Israel, insisting that Moscow was “by no means seeking to act as a mediator,” but was simply “suggesting ideas” that could help ease tensions.
Speaking at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin remarked, “If they turn out to be attractive to both sides, we will only be happy.” His comments come as Russia has spent the past week positioning itself as a potential peace broker, following a sharp uptick in hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Israel’s aerial campaign last Friday prompted an Iranian response involving a barrage of missiles and drones, further deepening the regional crisis.
Despite Putin’s assurances of neutrality, Russia has openly condemned Israel’s strikes.
However, Moscow has not extended military assistance to Tehran, a close ally, nor invoked provisions from a sweeping strategic partnership agreement the two countries signed earlier this year. This restrained posture has drawn criticism and skepticism from both Western and Middle Eastern observers.
Earlier this week, Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned the United States against any form of military intervention in the conflict, amid speculation that Washington may deepen its support for Israel in the wake of Iranian retaliation.
Yet the Kremlin has also acknowledged the limited receptiveness of the parties involved. A Kremlin spokesperson noted a “reluctance, at least on the part of Israel, to resort to any mediation services or to embark on a peaceful path towards a settlement.”
Putin has spoken separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since the Israeli strikes on June 13. However, when pressed on Friday about Israel’s alleged threats to target Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin responded tersely: “I really hope that the things you mention remain at the level of rhetoric.”
Western leaders have categorically dismissed Putin’s overtures. U.S. President Donald Trump, when asked about Moscow’s offer to mediate, told reporters, “He actually offered to help mediate. I said: ‘Do me a favor, mediate your own. Let’s mediate Russia first, okay?’” The reference to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine underscored Washington’s skepticism about Moscow’s credibility in facilitating international diplomacy.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also rejected any significant role for Putin, aligning with the broader Western consensus that Russia, embroiled in its own aggressive war in Ukraine, lacks the legitimacy to serve as a credible arbitrator in other global conflicts.
As tensions between Iran and Israel continue to flare and mediation efforts falter, Russia’s attempt to present itself as a stabilizing force appears increasingly constrained by its geopolitical baggage and strained relations with both the West and regional actors.
