Putin Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Immediate End to Hostilities

MOSCOW — As tensions between Iran and Israel reach a critical level, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent military strikes against Iranian targets, labeling them an “unjustified act of force.” In a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Putin called for an immediate ceasefire and warned of the growing risk of a broader regional war if diplomacy fails to take hold.

PHOTO: METZEL MIKHAIL/ZUMA PRESS

The Kremlin released a statement confirming the conversation between the two leaders, in which both expressed “deep concern” over the escalation of violence and urged restraint from all parties involved.

“The use of force by any side only pushes the region closer to disaster,” said President Putin. “We strongly oppose any military action that undermines regional stability and international law.”

A United Front With Turkey

President Erdoğan echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and regional cooperation to contain the situation. Both leaders highlighted the “unacceptable humanitarian consequences” already unfolding across the region, including civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure.

The statement marks a significant shift in Russia’s diplomatic tone—traditionally more neutral—toward a direct call for Israel to halt its military operations. While not siding explicitly with Iran, Moscow's remarks signal a growing frustration with Israeli actions and a desire to position itself as a mediator in the crisis.

Iran Refuses Ceasefire — For Now

Despite mounting international pressure, Tehran remains firm: no negotiations will be considered until Israel fully halts its airstrikes. Iranian officials have dismissed diplomatic overtures as premature and accuse Israel of targeting military and civilian assets in a “campaign of aggression.”

Still, Russia appears to be crafting a broader peace strategy. The Kremlin announced that it is willing to host talks and even assist with the conversion of enriched uranium on Russian soil—an olive branch that could serve as a diplomatic breakthrough if accepted by both sides.

Global Reactions

World leaders from the European Union, the United Nations, and the G7 have called for de-escalation, citing the potential for the conflict to draw in other powers or destabilize key oil routes and economic corridors. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for “maximum restraint,” and emergency sessions at the UN Security Council are expected in the coming days.

Strategic and Humanitarian Concerns

The latest strikes follow days of intense military exchanges between the two rivals. Iran has claimed responsibility for launching missiles into northern Israel, while Israeli jets have reportedly hit high-value Iranian targets in Tehran and Esfahan, including suspected command posts and weapons depots.

Casualties on both sides are mounting, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed. Aid organizations warn of a growing humanitarian crisis, especially in regions where infrastructure is collapsing under the pressure of continuous bombardment.

In Summary:

• Putin Condemns Israeli Action: Described as an "act of force" with grave regional implications.

• Russia & Turkey Push for Peace: Leaders unite in call for diplomacy and restraint.

• Iran Holds Its Ground: Refuses negotiations unless Israel stops all attacks.

• Global Alarm Grows: UN, EU, and G7 call for immediate de-escalation.

• Crisis Deepens: Risk of wider war looms amid missile strikes and civilian suffering.