At the SPIEF 2025 forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the significance of Israel’s large Russian-speaking community in shaping Russia’s stance on the Middle East conflict. He also highlighted Russia’s longstanding friendly relations with the Islamic world, which includes 15% of the Russian population and Russia’s participation as an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Putin expressed support for Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear program, citing the construction of a nuclear reactor in Bushehr as evidence of Russia’s commitment. He called for mutual security guarantees between Iran and Israel, suggesting Russia is offering ideas rather than mediating.
He dismissed criticism that Russia should have done more to support Iran, asking, “Start some kind of combat operations, is that it?” He explained that Russia already has combat operations against those he considers opponents of the ideas it defends and that pose a threat to the Russian Federation.
According to the Kremlin, Putin has a “complete picture” of the situation, as one of the few leaders to speak directly with the heads of Israel, Iran, and the US since the conflict flared up last week.
In a late-night Q&A session on Wednesday, Putin told journalists that Moscow has proposed several compromise frameworks to all parties, suggesting that a settlement should include mutual security guarantees – protecting both Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology and Israel’s right to security.
While reaffirming support for Iran’s legitimate interests, Putin clarified on Friday that Russia is not seeking to act as a mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict. He said, “We are simply offering ideas. Should these proposals resonate with both nations, we would be pleased,” adding that he sees potential “points of contact” between Tehran and West Jerusalem.