‘Extremely tense’: Putin speaks to Netanyahu, Pezeshkian to discuss Iran crisis; urges diplomatic solution

Amidst escalating West Asian tensions and fears of a US strike on Tehran, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in separate calls with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Putin reiterated Russia’s commitment to de-escalation and strengthening its strategic partnership with Iran, while both leaders stressed political and diplomatic solutions to regional issues.