Vladimir Putin has called for an immediate halt to the conflict involving Iran, urging a return to diplomacy following what the Kremlin described as heavy civilian casualties during Israeli-American attacks.
According to the Kremlin, Putin made the appeal during a phone call late on Friday with Masoud Pezeshkian.
Condolences Over Civilian Casualties
During the conversation, Putin expressed condolences to Iran over the deaths caused by what he described as “armed Israeli-American aggression against Iran.”
He also conveyed sympathy over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, members of his family, Iranian political and military leaders, and “numerous civilians,” the Kremlin said.
Russia Calls for Diplomacy
The Kremlin said Putin reaffirmed Russia’s longstanding position in favor of an immediate cessation of hostilities and the rejection of military force as a way to resolve disputes involving Iran or broader Middle East tensions.
“Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s principled stance in favor of an immediate cessation of hostilities … and a swift return to the path of diplomatic resolution,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
Contacts with Gulf Leaders
Putin also told Pezeshkian that he has been in constant contact with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council states as the conflict continues to escalate.
According to the Kremlin, Pezeshkian thanked Russia for showing solidarity with the Iranian people as they defend their sovereignty and independence, and he provided a detailed update on recent developments in the latest phase of the conflict.
