Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing Moscow’s willingness to support efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East after talks between Iran and the United States broke down.
In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin indicated readiness to contribute to diplomatic initiatives focused on resolving the crisis.
“Vladimir Putin emphasised his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict, and to mediate efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” the Kremlin said in its readout of the call, as reported by AFP.
The conversation followed unsuccessful negotiations between Iran and the United States on Sunday, which had sought to halt hostilities tied to the broader regional conflict.
Although the talks ended without agreement, there was no immediate escalation in fighting.
READ ALSO: Putin Pushes For Middle East Ceasefire In Talks With UAE, Qatar
Global leaders have reportedly continued to encourage both countries to pursue diplomatic channels despite the setback.
A US official disclosed that the American delegation—led by chief negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—departed after extended discussions failed to produce meaningful progress on the situation involving Iran.
During a stop at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, an official accompanying Vice President JD Vance confirmed that no members of the team stayed behind, dispelling earlier suggestions that talks might continue.
Meanwhile, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf criticised Washington’s approach, saying it did not foster confidence during the negotiations.
“My colleagues in the Iranian delegation put forward constructive initiatives, but the other side was unable to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation,” he said in a post on X.
The current crisis traces back to February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes from Tehran and intensifying instability across the Middle East, with wider implications for the global economy.