Watch| Putin Responds to Question on Russia’s Lack of Support for Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin has provided an explanation for Moscow's tempered reaction to U.S. airstrikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, explaining why Russia has decided against direct intervention in Tehran without it.

Although there has been Russia's long-standing strategic alliance with Iran, Putin explained that his decision to be neutral is driven by the demographic fact that a considerable number of Russian-speaking people reside in Israel.

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said: "I would like to point out to you that nearly two million citizens of the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation live in Israel. It is practically a country of Russian speakers nowadays. And, certainly, we always have this in mind in Russia's modern history."

Defending against allegations that Moscow is not supporting its allies, Putin brushed aside the accusations, calling such votes "provocateurs." He pointed out that Russia has had long-standing relationships with both Arab and Islamic countries, highlighting the fact that Muslims make up approximately 15 percent of the population in Russia. He also reminded the visitors that Russia is a holder of observer status in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

His comments follow days after the United States carried out a heavy aerial strike—Midnight Hammer—that used 14,000-kg bunker-buster bombs on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. President Donald Trump hailed the attacks as a great success, stating Iran's nuclear enrichment program had been "completely and totally obliterated."

Iran retaliated with a salvo of missiles against Israel, further ratcheting up tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed returning to talks until Iran has responded in kind.
"We were already sitting at the negotiating table," Araghchi said. "It was the US and Israel who blew up negotiations."

Earlier, Putin had proposed mediating a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, but the offer was summarily rejected by President Trump. "Do me a favor, mediate your own. Let's mediate Russia first. You can concern yourself with this later," Trump remarked.