MOSCOW/BEIJING, Jun 20 (Alliance News): Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping strongly condemned Israel’s military strikes on Iran and jointly called for immediate de-escalation, during a phone call held on Thursday, according to the Kremlin.
The two leaders expressed grave concern over the ongoing conflict and stressed that the crisis must be resolved through political and diplomatic channels, not military action.
“Both Moscow and Beijing fundamentally believe that there is no military solution to the current situation and issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme,” said Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. “This solution must be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic means.”
The Kremlin reported that Putin and Xi sharply criticized Israel for violating the UN Charter and international law through its ongoing military operations in Iran.
China’s official Xinhua news agency, in a separate readout, quoted President Xi as urging “major countries” with influence—without naming the United States—to intensify diplomatic efforts to cool tensions.
“The warring parties, especially Israel, should cease fire as soon as possible to prevent a cycle of escalation and resolutely avoid the spillover of the war,” Xi added.
Xi also emphasized the need to protect civilians and called on both Israel and Iran to facilitate the evacuation of foreign nationals from affected areas.
Russia, meanwhile, warned of potential catastrophe if the Israel-Iran conflict, now entering its seventh day, intensifies further.
Moscow has repeatedly urged the US not to enter the war and offered to mediate between the involved parties, including in recent talks between Putin and US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
So far, no side has responded to Russia’s mediation offer. During his call with Xi, Putin again proposed Russia’s role as mediator—an idea that Ushakov said Xi supported. However, China’s official readout did not explicitly mention backing for the proposal.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close communication in the coming days as the situation evolves.
China has maintained strong ties with Iran, continuing to buy up to 90% of Iran’s crude oil despite US sanctions, often through offshore transhipment trades near Malaysia, according to energy analysts.
Beijing’s support is seen as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its economic and political influence in the Middle East.
