Iran is a strategic partner to Russia, but Moscow isn't rushing to Tehran's aid in the face of Israeli strikes.

Israel is reluctant to accept Russia's mediation in its war with Iran, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on June 17, according to the Russian state news agency TASS. "At the moment, we see reluctance — at least on Israel’s part — to resort to mediation or pursue a peaceful resolution,

Russia has tried to maintain warm relations with Israel even as it has developed strong economic and military ties with Iran, putting Moscow in an awkward position as the two countries are on the brin

As an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iran last week sparks a spiraling conflict between the two enemy states, China has seen an opportunity to cast itself as potential peace broker – and an alternative voice to the United States.

The scope of American involvement in the conflict remains unclear, but appears to have diverted Trump's attention as negotiations with the Russians to end the Ukraine War have largely failed.

Russia and Israel have built a close political, economic and cultural relationship that helped them tackle delicate and divisive issues, including developments in Syria.