Putin Calls for Peace Amid Iran-Israel Conflict Talks

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to talk about the rumors that Israel or the United States might try to harm Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Instead, he focused on finding a peaceful solution to the growing tensions between Iran and Israel.

During a meeting with international reporters at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin responded firmly when asked about the possible assassination of Khamenei.

He said, “I don’t even want to discuss that. I believe it’s better not to speak about it at all.”

This came after Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said earlier in the week that the conflict might even lead to a change in Iran’s government. Israel has recently carried out airstrikes that killed senior Iranian military leaders and top nuclear scientists.

A US-based Iranian human rights group reported that at least 585 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since last Friday. Among the dead are 239 civilians.

Former US President Donald Trump also made a statement, saying that the US knows where Khamenei is. He added that the US won’t take action at the moment but didn’t rule out joining Israel if needed.

Despite these threats, Putin said that people in Iran are standing strongly behind their leaders.

“In Iran today, even with all the political problems inside the country, the people are united around their leaders,” he said.

Putin has tried to play the role of a peacekeeper between Iran and Israel. However, world leaders like Donald Trump have ignored his efforts, mainly because Russia has strong ties with Iran.

Still, Putin hasn’t given up. He said peace is possible if both sides can agree to a plan that allows Iran to continue its peaceful nuclear program and also protects Israel’s security.

“This is a sensitive issue, and we have to be very careful, but I believe we can find a solution,” he said.

Putin also confirmed that Russia has not yet given weapons to Iran, even though the two countries signed a strategic deal earlier this year. However, Russia is still helping Iran with its nuclear work, which Iran says is only for peaceful, civilian purposes. Israel disagrees and says Iran wants to build nuclear weapons.

Putin also said Iran’s nuclear program is still active underground, even after the Israeli strikes.

“These underground factories are still there. Nothing has changed,” he said.

Lastly, Putin mentioned that over 200 Russians are working at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran, which was built by Russia. He said they are safe because Russia and Israel have agreed to make sure the workers are protected.