Moscow condemns ‘serious escalation’ in Middle East

Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that Putin had been kept informed and that “Russia is concerned about the developments.”

Russia, which has close relations with Iran, recently offered to mediate in the U.S. negotiations on Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme.

In mid-January, Moscow and Tehran agreed on a strategic cooperation deal covering the next 20 years, although this does not include mutual military assistance, unlike a similar agreement between Russia and North Korea.

Russia and Iran are working closely together, partly because of the Western sanctions that are burdening both countries.

Iran has been criticised for supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine.  (dpa/NAN)