As tensions rise in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin has explained where Moscow stands in the unfolding Iran-Israel conflict. His remarks came after the United States launched surprise airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities.

Putin, who has long supported Iran, dismissed critics who questioned Russia’s loyalty to its allies. According to TASS news agency, he described such critics as “provocateurs.”

Russia Balances Ties With Both Iran and Israel

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said Russia has a complex relationship with Middle Eastern allies.

“I would like to draw your attention to the fact that almost two million people from the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation reside in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this into account in Russia’s contemporary history,” he said.

He also reminded that 15 percent of Russia’s population is Muslim, and that Moscow is an observer in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Russia Maintains Strong Ties With Iran

Putin highlighted Russia’s “trusting relationship” with Iran and noted that Moscow had helped build Iran’s first nuclear power plant in Bushehr. Over the years, Russia has walked a diplomatic tightrope, keeping close ties with Israel while boosting military and economic cooperation with Iran.

Moscow Slams US for Airstrikes on Iran

After the US bombed Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday, Russia quickly reacted. The Russian foreign ministry condemned the strikes, calling them “irresponsible” and a “gross violation of international law.”

“It is already clear that a dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security,” the ministry warned.

Russia Offers to Mediate Peace

Earlier, Putin had offered to mediate a resolution to the growing Israel-Iran conflict. He said Moscow could help find a solution that allows Tehran to continue a peaceful nuclear program while easing Israeli security concerns.

Iran Vows Punishment for Israel

Following the US airstrikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a sharp warning—though he made no direct mention of the US in his latest message.

On X, he stated, “The punishment continues. The Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake, committed a major crime; it must be punished—and it is being punished. It is being punished right now.”

His words clearly signaled that Iran would intensify attacks against Tel Aviv in response to the growing conflict.