Escalating Tensions: U.S. and Russia Navigate Middle East Diplomacy

Russia has expressed concerns over escalating tensions around Iran due to U.S. military maneuvers in the Middle East. Although Russia is conducting naval exercises with Iran, it calls for restraint and diplomacy. The U.S., meanwhile, holds talks with Iran on its nuclear program while deploying warships nearby.

Russia sounded an alarm on Thursday over mounting tensions surrounding Iran as the United States bolstered its military presence in the Middle East. In response, the Kremlin appealed to Tehran and other regional stakeholders for prudence and restraint.

This development comes as the U.S. deploys warships near Iran and engages in diplomatic discussions concerning its nuclear ambitions. Despite holding a strategic partnership with Tehran, Russia does not include mutual defense in its treaty. Notably, a Russian naval corvette conducted exercises with the Iranian navy in the Gulf of Oman this week, according to Russia's Defense Ministry.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that these exercises were pre-planned and reiterated Russia's commitment to fostering relations with Iran. He urged all regional parties to prioritize diplomacy in resolving their disputes. Russia remains hopeful that ongoing negotiations will successfully defuse the unprecedented rise in regional tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)