India, Jan. 16 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the situation in the Middle East and Iran by phone on Friday.

According to a statement by the Kremlin, cited by Reuters, Putin offered Netanyahu Russia's help in mediating regarding Iran, and told the Israeli leader he was "in favour of intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and security in the region."

The phone call comes amid massive protests in Iran that began on December 28. What began as demonstrations over record inflation and the steep fall in Iran's currency has now expanded into widespread nationwide unrest, with reports of agitation across more than 280 locations.

Published by HT Digital Conte...