Russia warns US over Iran intervention as Putin, Xi urge ceasefire
Russia's Foreign Ministry on Thursday warned the United States against launching military action against Iran, amid growing speculation over Washington's possible entry into the escalating war alongside 'Israel'.
The warning came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping condemned Israeli strikes on Iran in a phone call and urged diplomacy to end the conflict.
'We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation,' Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a press briefing, adding that any US action 'would be an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences.'
The diplomatic push follows a series of unprecedented strikes exchanged between 'Israel' and Iran. Last week, 'Israel' launched a wave of attacks targeting Iranian territory, to which Tehran responded with a barrage of drones and missiles.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he was weighing the possibility of joining the strikes. 'I may do it, I may not do it,' he told reporters, leaving the door open for American involvement.
Earlier on Thursday, the Kremlin said Putin and Xi 'strongly condemn Israel's actions,' emphasizing that the conflict must be resolved through political and diplomatic means. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said both Moscow and Beijing agree that 'the end to the hostilities should be achieved exclusively by political and diplomatic means.'
Xi: Ceasefire is top priority
Chinese state media reported that Xi urged 'Israel' to halt its military actions and called a ceasefire the 'top priority.'
'Promoting a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities is the top priority. Armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes,' Xi said, according to Xinhua.
'Parties to the conflict, especially Israel, should cease hostilities as soon as possible to prevent a cyclical escalation and resolutely avoid the spillover of the war,' he added.
Putin positions himself as mediator
Putin has presented himself as a potential mediator between Iran and 'Israel'. Despite his close ties to Tehran—strengthened further during Russia's war in Ukraine—he also maintains diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv.
Last week, Putin spoke by phone with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, offering Russia's help in brokering a resolution.
Xi reportedly backed Putin's mediation efforts. 'He believes that it could serve to de-escalate the current situation,' Ushakov said.
However, Putin's overture has been met with skepticism in the West.
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