Putin, Xi condemn Israeli war on Iran, call for diplomatic solution

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Jun 2025 17:14
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Putin and Xi denounce Israeli attacks on Iran, call for a ceasefire and diplomacy, as Russia warns against US interference and nuclear site escalation.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during their meeting before the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025. (Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping jointly condemned "Israel’s" recent strikes on Iran during a phone call on Thursday, the Kremlin announced, as the Israeli war on Iran entered its seventh day.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that both leaders "strongly condemn Israel's actions, which violate the UN Charter and other norms of international law." He emphasized that Moscow and Beijing agree that "there is no military solution to the current situation and issues related to Iran's nuclear programme." Instead, the leaders stressed that any resolution must come "exclusively through political and diplomatic means."

While not naming the United States directly, Xi Jinping noted that "major countries" with "special influence" in the Middle East should increase diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions, according to China's Xinhua News Agency.

Russia, China denounce Israeli strikes on Iran

President Xi stated that “the warring parties, especially Israel, should cease fire as soon as possible to prevent a cycle of escalation and resolutely avoid the spillover of the war.” He also called for enhanced protection of civilians and demanded that both sides allow for the safe evacuation of foreign nationals.

With concerns rising over a broader regional fallout, Russia reiterated its call for de-escalation, warning that further war could ignite a wider catastrophe. The Kremlin said Putin has held recent calls with US President Donald Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to encourage restraint and open dialogue.

Putin reportedly proposed that Russia could serve as a mediator in the war, renewing the offer during his conversation with Xi. According to Ushakov, Xi expressed support for the initiative and viewed it as a constructive step. However, Beijing's official statement made no reference to the proposal, focusing instead on broader diplomatic appeals.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close communication as the situation unfolded.

Russian Foreign Ministry urges halt to Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

In a related development, the Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling them “categorically unacceptable” and demanding their immediate cessation.

Speaking Thursday on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “Russia calls on the Israeli leadership to immediately stop attacks on nuclear installations and sites that are under safeguards and are subject to IAEA verification activities.”

Zakharova expressed particular concern over the Bushehr nuclear power plant, where Russian personnel are currently stationed.

“We are particularly concerned about the safety of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, where Russian specialists work,” she added.

The Russian diplomat also warned the United States against entering the war militarily, stating such a move would pose serious risks.

“Russia warns the United States against a military intervention in the Iranian-Israeli conflict, as this will be an extremely dangerous step,” she stressed.

Zakharova concluded by urging all sides to prioritize diplomacy, “We hope that the understanding that there is no alternative to finding mutually acceptable negotiated solutions to the existing problems will prevail.”