ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin made the following comments at a plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday. Putin spoke in Russian.

Vladimir Putin expressed worry about a possible World War III. He cited conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Putin mentioned talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Donald Trump. He criticized Western dominance and promoted a balanced world order.

Putin has issued a stark warning to the West: if Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear facilities, Russia may be forced to step in. The explosive statement hints at a possible alliance between Moscow and Tehran,