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Putin, Netanyahu Discuss Iran Nuclear Threat in Phone Call

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, January 16th 2026 at 7:21 GMT by moneycontrol.com

Moscow, Russia - January 16, 2026 - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a significant phone conversation Thursday, focusing on the increasingly volatile situation in Iran, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning Russia's war in Ukraine. The call, confirmed by the Kremlin in a formal statement, underscores the delicate and complex relationships between these key global players and highlights shared anxieties regarding Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.

The core of the discussion centered on Iran's nuclear ambitions. Both Putin and Netanyahu unequivocally reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This shared objective represents a long-standing and often tacit alliance between Russia and Israel, despite their differing approaches to Iran and their divergent relationships with the United States. Putin reportedly briefed Netanyahu on the latest developments surrounding the stalled Iran nuclear deal negotiations, commonly referred to as the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). While the specifics of these updates weren't disclosed, they signal continued Russian engagement in the diplomatic process, even as that process faces numerous hurdles and skepticism from all parties.

Israel's longstanding concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program are well documented. The nation has repeatedly asserted its right to act unilaterally if it perceives diplomacy as failing, and Netanyahu's recent public statements have echoed this sentiment, issuing stark warnings to Tehran against pursuing nuclear capabilities. The Kremlin's inclusion of this subject in the phone call highlights the seriousness with which both leaders view the potential threat and the urgency of addressing it.

Beyond the Iran nuclear issue, the conversation also addressed the devastating ongoing conflict in Gaza. While the statement didn't elaborate on specific points of discussion related to Gaza, the mere inclusion of this topic underscores the shared awareness of the humanitarian crisis and potential for broader regional instability the conflict presents. The war between Israel and Hamas has triggered widespread displacement, loss of life, and heightened tensions across the Middle East, impacting not only Israel and Palestine but also neighboring countries and international relations.

The timing of the call is significant, occurring amidst heightened tensions across the Middle East. Israel's war with Hamas has drawn international condemnation and sparked unrest in several nations. Simultaneously, concerns persist over Iran's support for proxy groups in the region and its expanding influence in countries like Syria and Lebanon. Putin's expression of concern regarding the escalating tensions signals a desire to prevent a wider conflict that could destabilize the entire region, potentially drawing in other global powers.

Perhaps surprisingly, Putin also used the opportunity to brief Netanyahu on the evolving situation in Ukraine. This element of the conversation suggests that Russia views the broader geopolitical context as intertwined, with the war in Ukraine influencing its relationships and strategic considerations across the globe. The inclusion of Ukraine in the discussion also serves as a reminder of Russia's own security concerns and its attempts to garner support and understanding for its actions from various international players.

The phone call represents a snapshot of the complex and evolving dynamics between Russia and Israel. While both nations share a common goal in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, their approaches to achieving this goal - and their broader strategic alignments - often differ. The conversation underscores the challenges of navigating these complex relationships in a region rife with conflict and geopolitical maneuvering. The potential for future cooperation, or escalating tensions, hinges on the delicate balance of interests and priorities each nation brings to the table.