Russia on Wednesday voiced extreme concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, urging all parties to exercise restraint and immediately cease military strikes. The call came amid a fresh round of armed conflict between the United States and Iran.
Russia Condemns US-Israeli Aggression
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters during a press briefing that Moscow is deeply alarmed by the renewed hostilities. She described the situation as a new phase of US-Iranian armed conflict, which she said began with unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Zakharova emphasized that attacks on civilian infrastructure are categorically inadmissible and called on all sides to halt military operations immediately. She reiterated Russia's conviction that there is no alternative to a political and diplomatic resolution based on international law and the security interests of all regional states.
Russia Ready to Facilitate Dialogue
Increasing attention is being paid to the security of the entire region, Zakharova noted. She expressed hope that the situation would return to a political and diplomatic framework as soon as possible. In this context, she stated that Russia is prepared to assist in identifying and implementing mutually acceptable solutions.
Background of the Conflict
Zakharova's remarks followed US airstrikes on southern Iran. The US Central Command reported that fighter jets struck Iranian air defense systems and radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched retaliatory attacks on 21 American military targets at US air and naval bases across the region.
The incident occurred after several days of fluctuating tensions, during which Israel and Iran traded military strikes before pulling back, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire.
