Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, offering Russia’s support for efforts to resolve the escalating Middle East crisis following the collapse of talks between Iran and the United States. According to the Kremlin, Putin said he was ready to assist diplomatic efforts toward a settlement. The call came after Iran and the United States failed to reach an agreement on Sunday aimed at ending hostilities linked to the wider Middle East conflict, although there was no immediate resumption of fighting. A United States official said the delegation, including chief negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, left after marathon talks produced no significant breakthrough on the conflict involving Iran. US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, sparking retaliation from Tehran that has plunged the Middle East into conflict and shaken the global economy.

Source: Punch April 12, 2026 15:13 UTC