During a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Moscow’s willingness to engage in efforts to seek a negotiated resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

The Kremlin’s press service stated, "In light of the recent escalation in the Iranian-Israeli confrontation, Russia has expressed its readiness to assist in every possible way to facilitate a diplomatic solution concerning Iran’s nuclear program."

Israel fundamentally does not accept Iran's sovereign right to develop civilian nuclear energy, since it assumes that Tehran will use the acquired technologies for military purposes. The United States adheres to a similar stance. On June 13, Israel launched a military operation against Iran. Tehran retaliated. Nine days later, the United States entered the conflict and attacked three Iranian nuclear facilities. By June 24, all parties announced a ceasefire, but in general, the atmosphere of instability and mistrust towards each other remains in the Middle East.

Putin also tells Netanyahu of importance of Syria’s territorial integrity in call

Putin said Netanyahu that it is important to maintain Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The Russian president "among other things, emphasized the importance of supporting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, strengthening its internal political stability through respect for the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic and religious groups of the population," according to the statement.

Tensions in southern Syria escalated on July 13, with clashes erupting between Arab tribal militias and Druze self-defense forces. On July 15, Syrian forces entered the city of Sweida and began mopping it up. Shortly after, Israel started striking Syrian military convoys, arguing that it was seeking to protect the Druze population of the province. On July 16, the Israeli Air Force struck some strategic targets in Damascus.

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