Speaking on the Con Maduro+ TV show in Caracas on June 17, Venezuelan President Nicolas Putin emphasized: "I believe that only venerable leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping can resolve the Iran- Israel conflict, bring the parties to a ceasefire, peace negotiations and a long-term solution."
The statement came after the conflict between Israel and Iran flared up in the early morning of June 13, with an Israeli air campaign called Wakened Lion targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
Less than 24 hours later, Tehran responded with missiles. In the following days, the two sides continued to exchange blows, causing casualties and destroying several military facilities, although both Iran and Israel claimed limited damage.
In his speech, Putin also expressed support for Iran's right to self-defense, warning that Tehran could close the Hormuz Strait if necessary.
"If Israel continues airstrikes on a peaceful and noble country like Iran, Iran has every right to increase defensive measures to protect its territory," the Venezuelan president stressed.
The Hormuz Strait - a strategic shipping route that receives nearly a third of global oil - has been repeatedly threatened with blockade by Iran during times of tension with the West. Any move in the region could disrupt the global energy market.
Although both Iran and Israel have shown no desire to turn the conflict into a full-scale war, observers have warned that each response carries the risk of getting out of control, especially as tensions spread to the Middle East.
