, April 12 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to support peace efforts in the Middle East during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian following failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, Russian state media reported.

According to Interfax, Putin said Russia is prepared to continue facilitating a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict and to assist mediation efforts aimed at achieving a "just and lasting peace" in the region, the Kremlin said in its readout, reports Al Jazeera.

The call comes amid heightened regional tensions following stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have released updated figures on casualties from the recent US-Israel war ...