Moscow is stepping into the escalating tensions in the Middle East as Russian President Vladimir Putin pledges to relay the grave concerns of Gulf Arab leaders to Iran following deadly attacks on oil refineries. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin will leverage Moscow’s strategic ties with Tehran to help de-escalate the crisis.
In a series of phone calls on Monday, Putin spoke directly with leaders from four Gulf nations, expressing deep worry over strikes targeting critical energy infrastructure. ‘President Putin will certainly do everything possible to provide some assistance in reducing tensions,’ Peskov told reporters. He emphasized Russia’s unique position due to its longstanding partnership with Iran, which could facilitate constructive dialogue.
The backdrop to these diplomatic overtures is a massive US-Israel military campaign launched on February 28 against Iran. Strikes hit major Iranian cities, including Tehran, justified by the White House as a response to alleged missile and nuclear threats from the Islamic Republic. US President Donald Trump even urged Iranians to rise against their government and seize power.
Casualties from the operation include Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top Islamic Republic officials. In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted Israeli sites and US military bases across Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Gulf states, heavily reliant on stable oil flows, are now on high alert, fearing broader disruptions to global energy markets.
Notably, Putin has not spoken with Trump since the campaign began, and Peskov indicated no such plans are in the works. As the region teeters on the brink, Russia’s mediation efforts could prove pivotal in averting a wider conflict that threatens international security and economies worldwide.