Both men "strongly condemn Israel's actions, which violate the United Nations (UN) Charter and other norms of international law," Kremlin Aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.

"Both Moscow and Beijing fundamentally believe that there is no military solution to the current situation and issues related to Iran's nuclear programme.

"This solution must be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic means," said Ushakov.

Russia has warned of catastrophe should the Israel-Iran conflict, now in its seventh day, escalate further, and has urged the United States (US) not to join Israel's bombardment.

Putin has been in touch with US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in recent days and has repeatedly said Russia stands ready to mediate between the warring sides.

On Thursday, Putin reiterated that proposition in his phone call with Xi, a close ally.

The Chinese leader expressed support for the idea, Ushakov said, "as he believes it could serve to de-escalate the current acute situation."

The two men agreed to keep in close contact in the coming days.

--Reuters--