Russia Joins US-Iran War? Putin Dials Iran President; Offers Support Against U.S-Israeli Aggression

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate amid ongoing U.S.–Israel strikes and Iranian retaliation. During the conversation, Putin expressed condolences over the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and called for an immediate ceasefire. The Kremlin urged all parties to halt hostilities and retu to diplomatic negotiations to prevent further regional instability. Putin also noted that Russia has been maintaining communication with several Gulf states as part of broader efforts to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue during one of the region’s most volatile crises in decades.