Putin Offers to Mediate Peace Between Israel and Iran, Faces Pushback from Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Washington D.C., USA – June 18, 2025 - In a major diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed to mediate peace between Israel and Iran, leveraging Moscow’s unique ties with both nations. The offer was made during a high-profile roundtable with international media at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

Putin Seeks Mediator Role in Israel-Iran Conflict

President Putin positioned Russia as a neutral peace broker in the escalating Israel-Iran standoff, citing long-standing strategic and diplomatic relationships with both Tehran and Jerusalem. He noted Russia’s historical involvement in Iran’s civilian nuclear program, including its support for the Bushehr nuclear plant, as evidence of trust and cooperation with Tehran.

“Russia has a trusting relationship with Iran, particularly on nuclear energy,” Putin said. “At the same time, we also maintain good relations with Israel. This gives us a unique opportunity to assist in de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.”

Russia Shares Mediation Proposals with US, Iran, and Israel

Putin revealed that the Kremlin has already shared its peace proposals with all three concerned nations—Iran, Israel, and the United States—and called on global powers to support diplomatic efforts instead of inflaming regional instability.

Trump Pushes Back: ‘Mediate Your Own’

However, the Russian president’s proposal was met with skepticism from former US President Donald Trump, who disclosed during a press briefing on Wednesday that he rejected Putin’s peace plan during a phone conversation over the weekend.

> “I said, ‘Do me a favor, mediate your own,’” Trump recounted.

“I told Vladimir, ‘Let’s mediate Russia first. You can worry about Israel and Iran later.’”

This marks a noticeable shift in tone from Trump, who earlier in the week said he was “open” to Putin’s peace initiative in the Middle East.

Russia Balancing Ties with Iran and Israel Amid Middle East Tensions

For years, Russia has walked a diplomatic tightrope in the Middle East, maintaining military and economic alliances with Iran while also nurturing a security dialogue with Israel. This balance, Putin argued, strengthens Russia’s credibility as a mediator in the Israel-Iran conflict.

Ukraine War Undermines Russia's Diplomatic Credibility

Despite Putin's diplomatic pitch, global observers remain wary due to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump's sharp rebuttal referenced this concern, criticizing Putin for offering to mediate overseas conflicts while failing to address his own military aggression.

Adding to the tension, Putin rejected Trump’s earlier call for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, stating that a temporary halt in hostilities would only be considered if the West stopped arms shipments and Ukraine halted troop mobilizations.

SPIEF 2025: A Shift from West to Global South

Putin’s comments came during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025, which Moscow increasingly uses as a soft power platform. This year’s forum saw a notable absence of Western executives, replaced by delegates from Asia, Africa, Latin America, BRICS, and OPEC nations.

Among notable meetings, Putin held discussions with Dilma Rousseff, the former President of Brazil and current head of the New Development Bank, signaling Russia’s deepening ties with the Global South.

He is also expected to meet with leaders from China, Indonesia, South Africa, and Bahrain in a bid to bolster Russia’s economic alliances amid ongoing Western sanctions.

As the Israel-Iran conflict simmers and global power alignments continue to shift, President Putin’s offer to mediate peace reflects Moscow’s ambitions to reclaim its geopolitical relevance beyond Ukraine. However, Trump’s rejection and the shadow of Russia’s war raise questions about the Kremlin's credibility on the world stage.