Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to help mediate an end to the conflict between Israel and Iran, suggesting Moscow could help negotiate a settlement that could allow Tehran to pursue a peaceful atomic program while assuaging Israeli security concerns.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said hundreds of his country's nuclear experts will continue to work at a power plant in Iran after Israel agreed to guarantee their safety. Over 200 Russian experts are currently working at the Bushehr nuclear power plant on the Persian Gulf,

Russia warned Israel against its strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, saying it puts the world on the "brink of a catastrophe". Israel has struck nuclear facilities across Iran, including at Bushehr, Natanz, Isfahan, and Arak. It accuses Iran of seeking to build a nuclear bomb. Tehran says its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes.