Putin discusses US-Israel confrontation with Iran at Security Council meeting

By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) — Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the US-Israel confrontation with Iran during a meeting of the country’s Security Council, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Saturday.

Speaking to Russian media, Peskov said Putin held a videoconference with permanent members of the Security Council, during which the situation developing around Iran was discussed.

He provided no further details, noting that the meeting was held behind closed doors.

Earlier on Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which he condemned what he described as an “unprovoked armed attack” on Iran by the US and Israel.

Lavrov said Russia was ready to help facilitate efforts to find peaceful solutions based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Israel earlier launched what it described as a “preemptive” attack on Iran under the name “Lion’s Roar,” declaring a “special and immediate” state of emergency across the country.

US President Donald Trump later said American forces had launched “major combat operations” in Iran aimed at “protecting the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

The escalation comes as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday.

Last June, the US struck three Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day Israel-Iran war.