• Putin emphasizes mediation in Iran following talks with Netanyahu and Pezeshkian.
• Tensions in the Middle East escalate amid protests and fears of US military action.
• Iran alleges foreign interference, accusing the US and Israel of inciting unrest.
• The call marks a renewed commitment to political dialogue and regional stability.
• Putin reiterates Russia’s strategic partnership with Iran amid geopolitical shifts.

In a diplomatic push addressing heightened tensions in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin held phone conversations with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday. Putin urged for a stepped-up political and diplomatic effort aimed at ensuring stability in the region, especially concerning the unrest in Iran, according to aa and scmp.

Putin's discussions sought to reaffirm Russia's role in facilitating dialogue and de-escalation amid escalating fears of a potential US military strike on Iran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the situation as "highly tense," noting that both leaders recognized the importance of resolving issues through diplomatic channels, as reported by indiatimes and lemonde.

Deteriorating conditions in Iran, primarily due to government crackdowns on protests, have prompted accusations from Iranian officials alleging US and Israeli interference. The Iranian leadership is concerned that instability within their borders could lead to intervention from external forces, a sentiment echoed in statements from both aa and indiatimes.

Furthermore, Putin’s call with Pezeshkian marked an important reassertion of Russia's ongoing strategic partnership with Iran, emphasizing mutual support at international forums like the United Nations. These developments come at a time when relationships in the Middle East remain fraught, particularly after recent military confrontations between Iran and Israel, as detailed by scmp and lemonde.