Russia to Turkey Offer Mediation of Conflict, but Iran Still Refuses

JAKARTA - Russia and Turkey have reportedly been working on mediation to end the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel, but Tehran is still not ready for a ceasefire.

"Currently, communication is still ongoing and negotiation efforts have been taken by a number of international and regional parties, especially Russia and Turkey," a source close to the Iranian government told RIA Novosti, Thursday.

"Iran basically does not reject the principle of mediation itself, but at this time, they do not agree to a ceasefire," said the source.

Previously, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was ready to help ease tensions in the Middle East, although he acknowledged that such a move required coordination with many parties.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, including Tehran, causing infrastructure damage and casualties. Iran then carried out retaliatory attacks on Israeli territory and US military bases throughout the Middle East.

The US and Israel initially claimed the attack was necessary to counter the threat from Iran's nuclear program, but it was later clear that they actually wanted a change of power in Iran.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli attack. Iran then declared a 40-day mourning period.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Khamenei's murder a cynical violation of international law.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran. They encouraged de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities.