Russia, China condemn Israeli strikes on Iran, call for diplomatic de-escalation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation on June 19 during which both leaders condemned Israel's ongoing strikes on Iran and underscored the urgent need for diplomatic de-escalation, the Kremlin announced.

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the two leaders voiced strong opposition to Israel’s military actions, stating they constituted violations of international norms, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“Both men had strongly condemned Israeli actions which violated the UN Charter and other norms of international law,” Ushakov told reporters.

The phone call comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its seventh day. Russia has repeatedly warned of the catastrophic consequences that could result from further escalation and has urged restraint from all sides, particularly the United States.

Putin and Xi reportedly reached a consensus that concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program should not and cannot be resolved through military means. “Both Moscow and Beijing fundamentally believe that there is no military solution to the current situation and issues related to Iran's nuclear program,” Ushakov said. “This solution must be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic means.”

The Chinese leader expressed support for Russian diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis, with Ushakov quoting Xi as saying he was “in favour of Russian mediation efforts on Iran because he believed it could help de-escalate the situation.”

Putin, who has been engaged in ongoing communication with US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reiterated Moscow’s offer to mediate between the parties involved. However, no formal response has been made to the Russian proposal thus far.

The Kremlin said both Putin and Xi had agreed to maintain close contact in the coming days as the situation unfolds.

By Vafa Guliyeva