Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, condemning Israel’s military actions and urging an immediate ceasefire.

The leaders expressed serious concerns about the regional consequences of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties and threatens long-term stability in the Middle East.

The Kremlin emphasized that both leaders advocated for resolving contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, through political and diplomatic means.

According to the Kremlin, Putin and Erdogan condemned Israel’s “act of force” against Iran as a violation of international law and the UN Charter, highlighting the risks of further escalation.

The leaders agreed to maintain close cooperation to address the crisis, with Erdogan stressing that Turkey is ready to facilitate de-escalation and support nuclear negotiations.

In a statement from Turkey’s Communications Directorate, Erdogan accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of adopting a “lawless attitude” that poses a “clear threat to the international system.”

He warned that the Middle East “cannot tolerate a new war” and suggested that Israel’s actions are an attempt to divert attention from what he called a “genocide in Gaza”.

Erdogan’s office further noted that the “spiral of violence” triggered by Israel’s attacks on Iran endangers regional security.

He urged all parties to return to diplomatic negotiations to resolve the nuclear dispute and prevent a broader conflict that could lead to a refugee crisis.

Posts on X echoed these sentiments, with some users reporting that Erdogan described Netanyahu’s government as a threat to the international system, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic solution.

The phone call followed Israel’s military operation, dubbed “Rising Lion,” which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and other infrastructure on June 13, 2025.

Israel’s strikes, described by Netanyahu as a preemptive measure to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions, have drawn widespread international criticism.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the attacks “categorically unacceptable,” arguing that they undermine regional and global security. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel, further escalating tensions and raising fears of a full-scale war.

While Putin and Erdogan called for restraint and diplomacy, other global leaders have taken varied stances.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in a call with Netanyahu, reportedly urged Israel to halt its military campaign and focus on negotiations, though he later praised the strikes as “excellent”.

Meanwhile, Egypt and Jordan condemned Israel’s actions as violations of international law, aligning with Putin and Erdogan’s call for de-escalation.

The ongoing conflict has heightened global concerns about a broader Middle East war, with Putin and Erdogan positioning themselves as advocates for a peaceful resolution.

Their condemnation of Israel’s actions and Erdogan’s strong rhetoric against Netanyahu underscore the deepening regional divide and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.