In a significant diplomatic overture, Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered Russia’s assistance in brokering a potential resolution to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Wednesday, Putin suggested Moscow could help facilitate an agreement that would allow Iran to pursue a peaceful nuclear energy program while addressing Israel’s long-standing security concerns.

Describing the issue as “delicate,” Putin emphasized that while the stakes are high, “a solution could be found” if all parties are willing to engage constructively. He revealed that Moscow has already shared proposals with leaders in Iran, Israel, and the United States.

“We’re not imposing anything,” Putin said. “We’re simply offering our view of a possible path forward. The final decision lies with the leadership of the involved nations, particularly Iran and Israel.”

Putin’s remarks came during a roundtable with senior editors from international news agencies, including The Associated Press. While he avoided commenting on hypothetical scenarios—such as a potential Israeli strike on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—he acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

The proposal marks a continuation of Putin’s efforts to assert Russia’s role as a power broker in the Middle East. He pointed to Russia’s long-standing relationship with Tehran, including the construction of nuclear reactors at Bushehr, and claimed that Moscow maintains open channels with Israeli leadership as well.

He reiterated that Iran has not requested Russian military support, despite the existence of a strategic cooperation agreement signed earlier this year. Putin added that Russia had previously offered to help Iran develop an integrated air defense system, but the proposal was not taken up by Tehran.

“We weren’t just offering equipment,” he said. “We were ready to build a comprehensive defense system. But Iran declined.”

In a parallel diplomatic thread, Putin noted that he recently discussed the idea of Middle East mediation with former U.S. President Donald Trump. However, Trump responded bluntly, urging Putin to focus on resolving Russia’s own conflict in Ukraine first.

“I told him, ‘Let’s settle your war before you try solving someone else’s,’” Trump reportedly said.

Despite these tensions, Putin expressed support for Trump’s stance on Ukraine, echoing the belief that the war might have been avoided had Trump remained in office in 2022. Nonetheless, Putin rejected Trump’s proposed 30-day ceasefire unless Ukraine halts troop mobilization and the West suspends weapons deliveries.

As for future talks with Kyiv, Putin said he is open to dialogue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but claimed the Ukrainian leader has lost his political legitimacy—a claim dismissed by Ukraine and its allies. Still, Putin pointed to past negotiations that yielded prisoner exchanges as evidence that diplomacy remains possible.

Whether Putin’s offer to mediate between Iran and Israel gains traction remains uncertain. However, his public statements reflect Russia’s broader ambition to shape global diplomatic outcomes—both in the Middle East and beyond.