Xi Jinping Pushes Iran-Israeli Ceasefire, Putin Offers Mediation

JAKARTA - Chinese President Xi Jinping called on major countries to help defuse Iran's conflict during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The two condemned Israel's actions against Iran during the phone call. Putin again offered to mediate the conflict.

Without naming the United States (US), Xi Jinping said "international communities, especially major countries that have a special influence on conflicting parties, must make efforts to encourage the cooling of the situation, not the other way around," according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported by CNN, Thursday, June 19.

Xi said there should be an immediate ceasefire, urging both sides but "mainly" Israel to end hostilities.

"Conflict parties, especially Israel, must stop firing as soon as possible to prevent the situation from escalating in turn and firmly avoid the overflow of war," Xi told Putin.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said the two leaders believed there was no military solution to Iran's conflict or nuclear program, as both had to be reached exclusively through political and diplomatic means.

(Putin) confirms Russia's readiness to make mediation efforts if necessary. Chinese leaders expressed their support for the mediation, given that it could contribute to easing the current tense situation," the Kremlin added.