Putin Proposes To Mediate Iran-Israel Peace Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday offered to mediate the peace talks between Iran and Israel, amid escalating tensions between both nations. He asserted Moscow’s close ties with the two countries that would aid in brokering a deal. 

Putin made the statement while addressing senior editors during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He claimed it to be “a delicate issue,” but added that “in my view, a solution could be found.”

He was asked about how Russia would respond if Israel and the US assassinate Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to which he responded that “I don’t even want to discuss such a possibility,” reported AP. 

Russia has shared a proposal on the matter with Iran, Israel and the United States. “We are not imposing anything on anyone; we are simply talking about how we see a possible way out of the situation. But the decision, of course, is up to the political leadership of all these countries, primarily Iran and Israel,” Putin said. 

Putin also emphasized on Russia's historic involvement in Iran’s civilian nuclear program, including the construction of the Bushehr nuclear plant. 

Putin was also asked of his view of supporting Iran to which he responded that, "We are in contact with our Iranian partners on an ongoing basis. Our specialists are working in Bushehr. 250 people and other business travellers. The total number can reach 600. And we're not leaving. Isn't that support? Iran has not asked us for any other support."

Putin’s offer has drawn criticism from the United States President Donald Trump for his mediation offer. He pushed back on the idea of Russian mediation during a phone call between the two leaders last weekend. “I said, ‘Do me a favor, mediate your own,’” Trump asserted. “I said, ‘Vladimir, let’s mediate Russia first. You can worry about this later.’”

The New York Times On Wednesday reported that Iran would accept the U.S. President Donald Trump's offer to meet soon, citing a senior Iranian official. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would accept such a meeting to discuss a cease-fire with Israel.