Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have jointly emphasized the need for de-escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. This call for restraint followed a recent conversation between the two leaders, highlighting a united front in addressing the rising tensions in the region.
During their discussion, Xi urged “major powers” to take initiative in calming the situation, implicitly referencing the United States. Russia, which has established a strategic cooperation pact with Iran, has consistently advocated for non-military approaches, cautioning that U.S. military intervention could lead to a significant destabilization of the region and potentially provoke a nuclear crisis.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov reported that both leaders condemned Israel’s actions, characterizing them as violations of the United Nations Charter and international law. They expressed a shared conviction that resolving the current issues—especially those related to Iran’s nuclear ambitions—should occur exclusively through political dialogue and diplomatic channels.
Putin has positioned Russia as a prospective mediator in the Iranian nuclear dispute, a role that has yet to be embraced by other stakeholders. During their conversation, he reiterated his offer for mediation, receiving Xi’s endorsement as a promising step to mitigate tensions.
Chinese state media further elaborated that Xi called on all conflicting parties, particularly Israel, to cease hostilities immediately in order to prevent a cyclical escalation of the conflict. He also highlighted the responsibility of “major countries” with “special influence” in the region to intensify their diplomatic undertakings to alleviate the crisis.
Amid these developments, Ushakov noted remarks from the leaders about the apparent discord among Western nations during the recent G7 summit in Canada. The G7, an assembly of leading industrialized democracies, recently concluded its session without a unified statement of support for Ukraine, which further reflects the complexities of international relations.
The cooperation between Iran and Russia has grown notably since the two nations signed a long-anticipated strategic partnership agreement earlier this year. This alliance underscores a collective stance against perceived U.S. overreach in the region. While Russia has yet to supply Iran with weaponry, it has provided assistance regarding Iran’s nuclear endeavors, which the Islamic Republic asserts are solely for peaceful purposes.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts, Xi and Putin have agreed to maintain open lines of communication. The leaders are expected to convene once again in China later this year during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting, where further discussions will likely take place regarding strategies to foster regional stability and cooperation in the face of ongoing challenges.