Moscow (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin issued strong condemnations of Israel’s military strikes on Iran during a phone call on Thursday, urging a halt to hostilities and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
According to the Kremlin, both leaders agreed that Israel’s actions violated the United Nations Charter and international legal norms.
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters, “Russia and China strongly condemn Israel’s strikes. Both sides firmly believe there is no military solution to the situation in the Middle East or to concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.”
The call comes as the conflict between Israel and Iran continued, raising fears of a broader regional war. Putin has previously warned of catastrophic consequences if the hostilities are not contained and has appealed to the United States to refrain from joining Israel’s military campaign.
In his conversation with Xi, Putin reiterated Moscow’s offer to mediate between the warring sides. Although no party has taken up the offer so far, Ushakov noted that Xi expressed support for Russia’s proposed role as a mediator, saying it could help de-escalate the crisis.
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However, China’s official statement made no mention of endorsing Russian mediation directly.
China’s president called for an immediate ceasefire, especially from Israel, and emphasized the importance of protecting civilians caught in the crossfire.
“The warring parties, especially Israel, must cease fire as soon as possible to prevent further escalation and avoid regional spillover,” Xi said.
He also called on both Israel and Iran to assist in the evacuation of foreign nationals from conflict zones and urged “major countries with special influence in the region” to intensify diplomatic efforts.
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The Chinese leader stressed that political and diplomatic channels were the only viable way to resolve tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities.
Putin, meanwhile, has been in direct contact with US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the past week, repeating Moscow’s offer to mediate. So far, none of the parties have publicly responded.
Ushakov said both Putin and Xi agreed to remain in close communication as the situation unfolds.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
