Putin says Moscow ready to assist Iran in mediating Middle East conflict
President Vladimir Putin told Iran that Russia is prepared to help Tehran in diplomatic efforts to ease the ongoing Middle East war.
During a conversation with Iranian representative Pezeshkian, President Vladimir Putin emphasized the increasingly close defence and commercial ties forged between Russia and Iran amid the war in Ukraine. He described the relationship as moving on a "positive and expanding trajectory" and urged further deepening of cooperation. Addressing the Middle East war, Putin said Russia backs the efforts of countries seeking to mediate and lower hostilities, and assured Iran that Moscow is ready to provide assistance in such initiatives.
This follows Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s recent UN remarks offering Russian help to stabilise the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region. The conflict, which began after US and Israeli strikes that killed former Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has seen Iran blockading the strategic waterway while the US maintains a counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
Why it matters
Russia's offer to aid Iran's mediation could shift diplomatic dynamics in a volatile regional war.
How this story developed
- Oct 6 Vance says Iran must cut nuclear enrichment to end seven-month war
- Oct 7 Vance delivered his remarks at a campaign event in Alaska.
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