Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday offered to mediate an end to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, suggesting that Moscow could help negotiate a settlement that would allow Tehran to continue a peaceful nuclear programme while also addressing Israeli security concerns.

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to senior editors of major global news agencies, Putin described the situation as “delicate” but said a solution was possible. “In my view, a solution could be found,” he said, noting that Russia had shared its proposals with Iran, Israel, and the United States. He insisted that Moscow was “not imposing anything,” but rather presenting its vision for de-escalation.

Putin declined to comment on a hypothetical Israeli strike against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating he did not even wish to entertain such a possibility. Khamenei, for his part, rejected calls from the United States for Iran to surrender, warning that any US military involvement would bring “irreparable damage.”

The mediation offer comes as Israel continues its air campaign against Iranian targets, a campaign that has already claimed hundreds of lives, including civilians, according to rights groups. At the same time, the United States has increased its military presence in the region, and President Donald Trump has publicly warned Iran’s leadership but stopped short of confirming direct American military action.

Putin highlighted Russia’s longstanding relations with both Iran and Israel. Moscow helped build Iran’s first nuclear power plant at Bushehr and is currently involved in constructing two additional reactors there. However, he emphasised that Tehran has not asked for Russian military assistance during the ongoing conflict. While Russia had previously offered to help build a comprehensive air defence system for Iran, Putin said the offer was not accepted by the Iranian side.

Addressing Israel’s past claims, Putin noted that the country had successfully targeted Russia-supplied S-300 air defence systems during prior operations. He maintained that Russia has a “trusting relationship” with both parties and could act as a neutral broker.

Putin’s remarks also touched on the conflict in Ukraine. He claimed that if Donald Trump had been in office in 2022, the war may not have started. Trump, however, reportedly dismissed Putin’s mediation offer regarding the Middle East, telling the Russian leader to “mediate your own” conflict first.

Meanwhile, European diplomats are preparing to meet with Iranian representatives in Geneva on Friday to discuss the nuclear issue, though the US is not formally participating in these talks. The UN Security Council is also scheduled to hold a second emergency session on the Israel-Iran crisis, following a joint request by Russia, China, and Pakistan.

Putin insisted that Russia’s actions in Ukraine, including recent intensified strikes, have targeted military infrastructure and not residential areas—a claim contradicted by recent reports of civilian deaths in Kyiv from Russian missile attacks.

Regarding NATO, Putin dismissed Western warnings that Russia might expand military action beyond Ukraine, calling such claims “ravings.” He also warned Germany against supplying Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, saying it could draw Berlin into direct conflict with Russia.

Despite these tensions, Putin reaffirmed that Moscow remains open to peace negotiations both in Ukraine and the Middle East, though he warned that failure to agree to Russia’s terms would result in harsher conditions for opponents in the future.

(With AP inputs)