Putin Cites Russian-Israeli Ties as Russia Avoids Military Support for Iran Amid US Strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin explained Russia's neutral stance in the Israel-Iran conflict by citing the substantial Russian-speaking population in Israel, emphasizing Moscow's attempt to balance its regional relationships. Putin highlighted Russia's long-standing ties with Arab and Islamic countries, noting that 15% of Russia’s population is Muslim and that the country holds observer status in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Despite Iran's nuclear sites being targeted by U.S. strikes praised by President Donald Trump, Russia has refrained from providing military aid to Iran, prioritizing its war in Ukraine and maintaining cautious diplomatic relations with Middle Eastern rivals. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi planned to meet Putin to discuss responses, but Russia's reaction remained restrained, reflecting Putin's limited resources and strategic interests. Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev, have downplayed the damage from strikes while inadvertently confirming Iran's continued nuclear weapons ambitions, supporting Trump’s decision to attack. Putin's offer to mediate the Israel-Iran crisis was publicly rejected by Trump, underscoring the complex geopolitical tensions at play.