Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he would not entertain discussions about the possibility of Israel or the United States killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing the idea as dangerous and insisting that Iranian society is rallying around its leadership.

Putin Calls for Restraint Amid Escalation

Asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s suggestion of regime change and U.S. President Donald Trump’s remark that Washington “knows where Khamenei is hiding,” Putin responded: “I do not even want to discuss this possibility. I do not want to.”

The Russian president added that Iranian society was consolidating in the face of external pressure and urged all parties to seek a diplomatic solution that guarantees Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear power and Israel’s right to security.

Russia Warns U.S., Rejects Military Alliance With Iran

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned on Wednesday that U.S. military involvement against Iran would “radically destabilize” the region. Moscow’s Foreign Ministry also cautioned that Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities risk triggering a nuclear disaster.

Putin reiterated that although Russia signed a strategic partnership with Iran in January, it does not include military assistance, and Tehran has not requested arms. “It seems to me that everyone should be looking for ways to end the hostilities,” he said.

Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Still Standing

Putin noted that despite Israeli efforts, Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facilities remained intact: “These underground factories, they exist. Nothing has happened to them.”

The Kremlin has offered to mediate between Iran and its adversaries and to manage enriched uranium from Iran while supplying fuel for civil nuclear energy—proposing a balance between Iran’s energy rights and Israeli security concerns.

Russia Maintains Ties, Stays Out of War

Moscow continues to support Iran’s civilian nuclear program and has received assurances from Israel that Russian specialists working on new reactors at the Bushehr plant will not be harmed in any strikes. “We can ensure Iran’s interests in peaceful nuclear energy,” Putin said, “while addressing Israel’s concerns.”

Putin confirmed that he has spoken to both Trump and Netanyahu, sharing Russia’s proposals to de-escalate the conflict.