Putin and Xi Hold Phone Call, Condemn Israeli Attack on Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have called for de-escalation amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The two leaders reached this joint stance following a phone conversation on Thursday (June 19). They also condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran, according to Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera.Following the phone call, both leaders adopted a unified position on tackling the crisis—particularly as their mutual geopolitical rival, the United States, has not ruled out involvement in Israel’s assault on Iran.During the call, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged major powers to assist in de-escalating the conflict—a statement widely interpreted as a veiled reference to the United States.Russia maintains a strategic cooperation agreement with Tehran. It has repeatedly warned the United States against launching any attack on Iran, arguing that such actions would severely destabilize the region and create a risk of nuclear catastrophe.After the call, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that Putin and Xi had strongly condemned Israel’s actions.Ushakov further stated that both leaders fundamentally believe there is no military solution to the current situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The resolution to this crisis should be achieved solely through political and diplomatic means.