Putin tells Tehran ready to help mediate Middle East war

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that Moscow is prepared to assist in mediating the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to Iranian state media. This announcement came during a phone call between the two leaders, as the six-month war has reached a stalemate. Russia and Iran, both heavily sanctioned nations, have forged a strong military and economic partnership since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, growing increasingly dependent on each other.

In their conversation, Putin praised the positive trajectory of relations between the two nations and emphasized the need to further strengthen their ties. Pezeshkian assured Iran that Russia is willing to play a role in reducing tensions, as stated in a report by IRNA, the state news agency. Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov mentioned in a UN speech that Moscow is ready to assist in stabilizing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Gulf region amidst the ongoing war.

The conflict began in late February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which resulted in the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has imposed a blockade on the critical Strait of Hormuz, a key point of contention, while the US has maintained a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.