…as Trump suggests Putin should focus on mediating Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has clarified that Moscow is not seeking to act as a mediator in the escalating crisis between Iran and Israel, The iNews Times reports.
In his clarification, Putin said Russia is merely suggesting ideas that could potentially help resolve the conflict.
The comments were made during an economic forum in Saint Petersburg.
The Kremlin has been positioning itself as a potential peacemaker following Israel’s strikes on Iran, which prompted retaliatory missile and drone attacks.
However, Western leaders have expressed skepticism about Putin’s role in mediating the conflict.
US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron have publicly pushed back against the idea, with Trump suggesting that Putin should focus on mediating Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
“We are by no means seeking to act as a mediator, we are simply suggesting ideas,” the Russian president said.
“If they turn out to be attractive to both sides, we will only be happy.”
Despite condemning the airstrikes by Israel, Russia has not offered military support to its ally Iran and has downplayed its obligations under a strategic partnership agreement signed earlier.
The Russian foreign ministry had warned the United States against military intervention in the conflict, as it weighs joining Israel’s strikes against Iran.
When asked about Israel’s apparent threats to kill the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin expressed hope that such statements would remain “at the level of rhetoric.”
Putin has spoken with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian by phone since Israel launched its strikes last Friday.
However, the Kremlin noted a reluctance on the part of Israel to pursue mediation services or a peaceful settlement.
The situation remains tense, with diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further escalation, The iNews Times reports.
