Putin was asked why is he not helping Iran. His reply
Amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin has clarified Moscow's role in joining the Iran-Israel conflict, following the US entry with surprise air strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting.(REUTERS file)
Putin, a long-time ally of Iran, called out those who questioned Moscow's commitment to its allies, terming them "provocateurs", TASS news agency reported.
The Russian President said that Russia has a nuanced relationship with its allies in the Middle East.
Also Read: What Russia, China said on US strikes on Iran nuclear sites: 'Dangerous escalation...'
"I would like to draw your attention to the fact that almost two million people from the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation reside in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this into account in Russia's contemporary history," Putin said while speaking at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Follow LIVE updates on Israel-Iran conflict here
He further said that 15 per cent of Russia's population follows Islam and Moscow is an observer in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Russia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the Middle East for decades. Moscow enjoys warm relations with Israel even as it developed strong economic and military ties with Iran.
Also Read: 'Made a big mistake': Khamenei vows punishment for Israel, no mention of US attack on Iran
Putin has also emphasised that Russia has a trusting relationship with Iran and helped build its first nuclear power plant in Bushehr.
Russia condemns US strikes
Following US' Sunday strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites in Iran, Russia condemned the bombings, calling them "irresponsible" and a "gross violation of international law".
"It is already clear that a dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security," the Russian foreign ministry said.
Last week, Putin had offered to help mediate an end to the Israel-Iran conflict. He said that Moscow could help negotiate a settlement that could allow Tehran to pursue a peaceful atomic program while assuaging Israeli security concerns.
Also Read: Why are Iran and Israel fighting? Rivalry of regional foes explained
Meanwhile, Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed punishment for Israel day after the US struck three nuclear facilities in Iran.
Taking to X, the official handle of the Iranian leader vowed to intensify attacks against Tel Aviv, but made no mention of the US attacks.
"The punishment continues. The Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake, committed a major crime; it must be punished—and it is being punished. It is being punished right now," Khamenei said in the post.
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First Post
29 minutes ago
- First Post
Iran turns to Russia after US bombing: Will Putin be of any help?
After the US bombed Iran's nuclear sites, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rushed to Moscow for urgent talks. But while Russia condemned the strikes, President Vladimir Putin signalled neutrality due to close ties with Israel. Despite a strategic partnership, Iran may find its powerful ally unwilling to escalate, leaving Tehran more isolated than ever read more Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with editors of the federal lineup of history textbooks for grades 5 to 11 of secondary school as well as vocational schools, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, June 22, 2025. File Image/Sputlink via Reuters Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has travelled to Moscow for a high-level diplomatic consultation with President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials. The visit, which follows US military strikes on Iran's key nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan under Operation Midnight Hammer, signals a critical moment in Iran-Russia ties, testing the limits of their strategic cooperation. While addressing a conference in Istanbul prior to his departure, Araghchi highlighted the importance of Iran's long-standing relationship with Russia, stating that both sides 'always consult with each other and coordinate our positions.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His arrival in the Russian capital was announced just hours after the military operation by the United States, which used 14,000-kg bunker-buster bombs to target what Washington claims were active components of Iran's nuclear programme. The Iranian foreign minister, speaking on social media, sharply criticised the US operation. 'The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations… Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour.' He added, 'In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.' How Moscow is walking a diplomatic tightrope Though Tehran and Moscow have deepened their cooperation in recent years — particularly following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — Putin has taken a measured stance on the recent escalation. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin explained that Russia's neutrality is influenced by domestic and regional considerations, particularly the significant number of Russian-speaking citizens in Israel. 'Almost two million people from the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation reside in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this into account in Russia's contemporary history.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This demographic factor, coupled with Moscow's multi-directional diplomacy in West Asia, has shaped a cautious Russian posture. The Kremlin maintains working relationships with Israel, Arab states and Islamic countries alike. With 15 per cent of its own population identifying as Muslim and holding observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Moscow continues to present itself as a neutral but influential actor in regional affairs. Although Russia condemned the US strikes on Iranian territory, calling them a violation of international law, its response has been restrained. The Russian foreign ministry stated: 'An irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb strikes, no matter what arguments it is presented with… It is particularly alarming that the strikes were carried out by a country that is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.' How the Iran-Russia relationship is a partnership with limits The strategic partnership between Iran and Russia has flourished under pressure from Western sanctions, with both countries collaborating on areas such as drone manufacturing, satellite technology, and nuclear energy. After Russia began its Ukraine invasion, Iran provided Moscow with Shahed drones, which were later used in attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Reports suggest that Moscow may have compensated Tehran with over $100 million worth of gold for these transactions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite these developments, Putin has made clear that Iran has not sought Russian military assistance in this crisis, and their recently signed comprehensive partnership treaty does not contain any provisions related to defence cooperation. As Putin explained, the agreement focuses on non-military collaboration. Russia's posture also indicates it will not escalate its involvement beyond diplomacy. Iran, on its part, has declared that it will not return to the negotiating table until it has retaliated. Araghchi has added Iran was already at the negotiating table and it was the US and Israel who 'blew up' talks. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addresses a special session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, June 20, 2025. 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Meanwhile, the geopolitical fallout is benefiting Moscow in some respects. The intensification of hostilities in the region has distracted international attention from Ukraine. At the G7 summit in Canada, global powers opted not to lower the price ceiling on Russian oil, which remains capped at $60 per barrel — a potential boon to Russia's oil-dependent economy. Iran's foreign minister's visit to Moscow reflects a need for diplomatic cover and strategic reassurance at a time when Tehran finds itself increasingly isolated. Iran expects Russia to take a more active role both in the UN Security Council and in the region amid heightened tensions with the United States, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday. Yet Russia, despite condemning US actions, has offered no indications that it will go beyond rhetoric. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Oil routes wobble: Two tankers turn back from Hormuz as US strikes on Iran raise fears of wider conflict
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Economic Times
33 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Netanyahu says Israel "very close" to achieving goals in Iran, vows to avoid "war of attrition"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is nearing its objectives in Iran, having significantly damaged its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Netanyahu vowed to continue the campaign until all goals are met, emphasizing the elimination of nuclear and ballistic threats. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel is "very close" to achieving its goals in Iran, having inflicted significant damage to its ballistic missile program and its nuclear facilities, The Times of Israel reporters in a pre-recorded press conference on Sunday following the US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, Netanyahu pledged not to let Israel get dragged into a "war of attrition" with Tehran but emphasised that it does not imply he would end the campaign until all the objectives are achieved."We won't pursue our actions beyond what is needed to achieve [the goals], but we also won't finish too soon," vowing to avoid entering a war of attrition. Speaking to reporters, he said, "When the objectives are achieved, then the operation is complete and the fighting will stop." stated, "I have no doubt that this is a regime that wants to wipe us out, and that's why we embarked on this operation to eliminate the two concrete threats to our existence: the nuclear threat and the ballistic missile threat. We are moving step by step towards achieving these goals. We are very, very close to completing them."He said that "very serious damage" has been inflicted on Iran's nuclear site in Furdow. However, he did not mention the details regarding the extent of the damage. Regarding Iran's nuclear program, he said, "We are sending them back, we are removing the threat."The Pentagon on Sunday announced that the US launched Operation Midnight Hammer and conducted "precision strikes" at three of Iran's key nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and about the whereabouts of Iran's 400 kilograms of 60-per-cent enriched uranium, he claimed that Israel has "interesting intel" related to the issue. However, he refused to elaborate on the said, "We've been following that very closely. I can tell you that it's an important component of a nuclear program." He said, "It's not the sole component. It's not a sufficient component. But it is an important component and we have interesting intel on that, which you will excuse me if I don't share with you."About the timing of Israel's campaign against nuclear facilities in Iran, Netanyahu said Israel "had to act" as Tehran was making efforts toward nuclear weaponisation after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's killing in September PM mentioned Iran's plans to build 300 ballistic missiles per month as a deciding factor to initiate the campaign at this time. According to him, over half of the ballistic missile launchers in Iran had been taken out in the past 10 said he had shared his concerns with US President Donald Trump and told him of the need to act. He said, "I told him of our need to act, and he understood it very well. And I knew that when push comes to shove, he would do the right thing," The Times of Israel PM said, "He would do the right thing for America. He would do the right thing for the free world. He would do the right thing for civilisation."Netanyahu insisted that the attacks in Iran would help Israel in achieving its goals in the Gaza Strip. He said, "Without the Iranian scaffolding, it all collapses." According to him, the war in Israel "could end tomorrow."He stated, "It could end today if Hamas surrenders, lays down all its arms, releases all the hostages. It's over in a moment." He said, "We think we can give Gaza a different future," The Times of Israel conflict in Gaza started after Hamas launched an attack on Israel in 2023, in which some 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. In response to the Hamas attack, Israel vowed to destroy the is still holding 50 hostages, including 49 of the 251 abducted on October 7, and the body of a soldier killed in 2014. They include the bodies of at least 28 confirmed dead by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). 20 are believed to be alive, while concerns have been raised regarding the well-being of two others.
