Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted separate telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on January 16, positioning Moscow as a potential mediator amid escalating regional tensions.

The diplomatic outreach comes as Iran faced widespread protests and mounting international pressure in recent weeks, with several Western countries closing diplomatic missions in Tehran over security concerns. New Zealand was the latest Western country to shut down its diplomatic mission in the Iranian capital, following Britain, France and Australia. 

"The parties discussed the Middle East situation and developments around Iran. Vladimir Putin outlined fundamental approaches favouring the intensification of political and diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and security in the region," the statement said.

"Russia is providing this assistance not only to Iran, but to the entire region, to the cause of regional stability and peace, including through presidential activity aimed at helping to de-escalate tensions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated at a January 16 briefing following the announcement.

Putin "devoted much of the first half of the day to the situation around Iran," according to Russian state media TASS.

During the Netanyahu call, the Russian leader outlined his "basic approaches to increasing political and diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and security in the region," with both leaders agreeing to continue discussions at various levels, according to the Kremlin statement.

The Kremlin confirmed Russia's willingness to facilitate constructive dialogue involving all interested countries, presenting Moscow as a bridge between competing regional powers.

Putin reinforced this approach during a January 15 ceremony for foreign ambassadors, stating Russia opposes external interference in Iran's internal affairs whilst committing to develop cooperation with Middle Eastern and North African countries based on "principles of trust and partnership."

The conversations occurred as Iran faces widespread protests and international pressure, with several Western countries closing diplomatic missions in Tehran over security concerns.

Russia has maintained close ties with Iran while also seeking to preserve dialogue with Israel; however, prior to the increase in tensions at the beginning of January, Moscow removed several staff from its Israeli embassy, according to previous reports.