Kremlin says Israel not open to mediation with Iran

The Kremlin on Tuesday expressed concern over what it described as a rapidly worsening conflict between Israel and Iran, stating that Israel appears unwilling to engage in mediation efforts.

Speaking to reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the situation was entering a phase of “galloping escalation,” now in its fifth day following Israel’s surprise airstrikes that killed much of Iran’s top military and nuclear leadership. Iran has since retaliated with missile attacks targeting Israeli cities.

“The situation is continuing to escalate rapidly. The level of unpredictability is absolute,” Peskov warned, urging both parties to show “maximum restraint.”

Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s standing offer to mediate between the two countries, but noted, “we see that, at this stage, Israel is not showing interest in peaceful resolution efforts.”

The Kremlin’s comments come against the backdrop of rising regional instability and an intensifying war that has already drawn concern from multiple international actors.

Russia maintains strategic ties with both countries. It signed a strategic partnership treaty with Iran in January, though the agreement does not include any mutual defence provisions. Russia also has a long-standing but increasingly complex relationship with Israel, which has been strained in recent years due to disagreements over the war in Ukraine and Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Amid the escalating hostilities, the Russian embassy in Tehran is reportedly assisting Russian citizens in evacuating through neighbouring Azerbaijan, according to Peskov.

While Moscow continues to advocate for diplomatic dialogue, its influence over either side remains limited as both Israel and Iran deepen their military engagement.

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