Putin Urges Iran to Avoid Civilian Casualties in Israel Response

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly asked Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to respond with restraint to the suspected Israeli assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The message, delivered by Sergei Shoigu, a top Kremlin ally, advised against attacks on Israeli civilians.

Shoigu, who recently transitioned from defense minister to secretary of Russia's security council, met with high-ranking Iranian officials in Tehran on Monday.

During these discussions, Iran also reportedly pressed Moscow for the delivery of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets.

Reuters reported that sources familiar with the talks indicated that Shoigu's visit was part of a broader Russian effort to encourage Iranian restraint while simultaneously condemning Haniyeh's assassination as "a very dangerous" act.

Moscow's aim appears to be preventing the outbreak of a wider Middle East conflict.

The sources emphasized that the region is on the brink of a major war, suggesting that those behind the assassination were deliberately trying to trigger such a conflict.

This diplomatic intervention comes at a time when Russia has been cultivating closer ties with Iran, particularly since the onset of its war in Ukraine. Moscow has stated that it is preparing to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Tehran.