**Israel Refuses Russia’s Mediation in Conflict with Iran**
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has taken a complicated turn, as Russia’s offer to mediate the situation has been rejected by Israel. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Israel has shown reluctance to accept mediation or pursue a peaceful resolution.
This development comes after days of intense air strikes by Israel against Iranian military targets and nuclear facilities. The Israeli government claims that Iran is on the verge of creating a nuclear bomb, which poses an existential threat to Israel. Iran has responded with attacks on Israeli cities, resulting in civilian casualties, including five Ukrainian citizens.
US President Donald Trump had expressed openness to Russia’s mediation, stating that he was “ready” to consider it and even discussed the idea with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, France has dismissed the idea of Russian mediation, with President Emmanuel Macron saying that Moscow cannot be a neutral mediator due to its ties with Iran.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has been complicated by Russia’s involvement in the region, particularly its support for Ukraine against Russian forces. Tehran has supplied Moscow with thousands of attack drones and ballistic missiles used against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Israel, which has maintained cautious relations with Russia, has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow.
As the situation continues to escalate, the death toll from Israeli strikes on Iran has risen to 224 people, with 90% reportedly civilians. The numbers have not been independently verified, and Israel has not confirmed casualty figures.
**Regional Tensions Rise**
The conflict between Israel and Iran has also drawn in other regional players. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has urged its citizens to leave Israel and Iran due to the serious deterioration in regional security.
Meanwhile, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu is expected to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to Moscow. The meeting comes as tensions between Russia and the West continue to rise, particularly over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
**Calls for Peaceful Resolution**
Despite the rejection of Russia’s mediation offer, there are still calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran. US President Trump’s openness to Russian mediation has sparked hopes that the situation can be de-escalated through diplomatic means.
However, France’s dismissal of Russian mediation and Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry urging citizens to leave the region suggest that the situation is becoming increasingly complicated.
As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen whether a peaceful resolution can be found or if the conflict between Israel and Iran will continue to escalate.
