India, June 23 -- Amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin has clarified Moscow's role in joining the Iran-Israel conflict, following the US entry with surprise air strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.

Putin, a long-time ally of Iran, called out those who questioned Moscow's commitment to its allies, terming them "provocateurs", TASS news agency reported.

The Russian President said that Russia has a nuanced relationship with its allies in the Middle East.

"I would like to draw your attention to the fact that almost two million people from the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation reside in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this int...