Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
President Donald Trump has pushed back on an offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin to mediate in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, Russia has many strategic interests in maintaining and deepening its alliance with Iran, especially in the context of its war in Ukraine. Iran has become a critical military supplier for Russia, providing thousands of Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 suicide drones, which Moscow has used to attack Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. In return, Russia has offered Iran advanced military equipment, including Su-35 fighter jets, air defense systems like the S-400, and training for Iranian forces. Their military partnership has expanded into joint exercises and intelligence coordination. On the nuclear front, Russia has played a key role in assisting Iran’s civilian nuclear energy program, including the construction of reactors like the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, and continues to supply nuclear fuel while supporting Iran’s claim of peaceful intent.
What’s going on now: Following a call between the two leaders, President Trump has shot down an offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin to mediate the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran, redirecting Putin’s attention to his own war in Ukraine. While speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said, “He actually offered to help mediate. I said, ‘Do me a favor, mediate your own. Let’s mediate Russia first, okay?’ I said, ‘Vladimir, let’s mediate Russia first, you can worry about this [the Middle East] later.‘”
In the aftermath of Trump’s remarks, Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning Israel’s ongoing strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites and criticizing Western support for the Israeli campaign. The Ministry said, “Israel’s continued, intensive attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran are unlawful under international law, pose unacceptable threats to international security, and drive the world closer to a nuclear catastrophe – the consequences of which will be felt globally, including in Israel itself.”
Russian officials also responded to growing signals that the US may become more directly involved in the conflict, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warning that “this would be a step that would radically destabilize the entire situation.”
