Putin tells Tehran ready to help mediate Middle East war

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian on a telephone conversation that Russia is prepared to assist in mediating the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to Iranian state media. The statement came as the months-long war appeared to be at an impasse. Russia and Iran, both facing significant sanctions and deepening their military and trade ties during Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, have become increasingly dependent on each other.

During their call, Russian President Putin emphasized the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and the necessity to strengthen ties further. He acknowledged that Russia supports ongoing mediation efforts and assured Iran that Moscow is also willing to play a mediating role to reduce tensions. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had recently stated in a UN speech that Moscow was prepared to help stabilize the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Gulf region amidst the protracted war.

The Middle East war initiated in late February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which resulted in the death of Iran's former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran subsequently imposed a blockade on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, leading to a counter-blockade of Iranian ports by the United States.