• Putin condemns Israeli strikes on Iran and offers mediation to de-escalate tensions.
• Calls with Israeli PM Netanyahu and Iranian President Pezeshkian highlight Russia's balancing act in the Middle East.
• The strikes, targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, resulted in significant casualties and have escalated the conflict.
• Russia aims to position itself as a power broker amid the ongoing conflict and maintain relations with both nations.
• Expert commentary suggests the situation could distract from the war in Ukraine, potentially benefitting Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed Russia's readiness to mediate between Israel and Iran following recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities. In separate phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin condemned the airstrikes and emphasized the need for political and diplomatic resolutions to disputes, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program, according to Newsweek and AA.

During his conversation with Pezeshkian, Putin offered condolences over the casualties resulting from the Israeli strikes and reaffirmed Russia's commitment to peace efforts surrounding Iran's nuclear activities. He condemned the strikes as violations of the UN Charter and stated that "all the consequences of this provocation will fall on the Israeli leadership," according to information shared by South China Morning Post.

Putin's diplomatic overtures reflect a complex balancing act by Russia, which has maintained robust ties with both Israel and Iran for decades. The Israeli military's actions over the weekend resulted in significant casualties, with Iranian officials vowing a harsh response, raising concerns about further escalation. Commentators note that Russia's involvement as a mediator could allow it to strengthen its position in Middle Eastern politics while also potentially distracting global attention from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as highlighted by South China Morning Post and AA.

Expert opinions suggest that the unfolding situation may affect international oil markets while providing Russia with a strategic opportunity to reinforce its influence and possibly negotiate a return to talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. As tensions rise, the prospect of renewed diplomacy, with Russia at the helm, may be pivotal in determining the future dynamics of the region, according to South China Morning Post and Newsweek.