Russia has warned the US not to take military action against Iran amid speculation that Washington will join the war alongside Israel, AFP reports.

Moscow is one of Iran's most important allies, having deepened its military cooperation and signed a strategic partnership agreement just months ago.

However, the Kremlin has not provided military support to Iran following the Israeli airstrikes. Putin is presenting himself as a possible mediator, even while condemning Israel.

"We would like to specifically warn Washington against military intervention in the situation," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

On June 18, US President Donald Trump said he was considering joining Israel's strikes against Iran.

"I may do it, I may not do it," he said.

Zakharova warned that any US military action "would be an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences."

Moscow issued its warning after Putin spoke with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and both criticized Israel.

Putin and Xi "strongly condemn Israel's actions," the Kremlin said after the conversation.

Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov said that Moscow and Beijing believe that an end to military action "must be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic means." | BGNES