Amid the dangerous escalation triggered by Israel’s military operation against Iran, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Kremlin press service reports.

During the conversation, President Putin stressed the importance of returning to the negotiation process and resolving all issues related to Iran’s nuclear program through exclusively political and diplomatic means. He also expressed Russia’s readiness to act as a mediator in order to prevent further escalation.

It was agreed that Russia will maintain close contact with the leadership of both Iran and Israel, aiming to help resolve the current crisis, which threatens to destabilize the entire region.