12.03.2026 15:03
As the war between the US-Israel and Iran continues into its 13th day, Russia has called on Washington and Tel Aviv to halt their attacks and return to diplomacy, warning that the humanitarian situation in the region is worsening. This was Russia's first direct call to the US and Israel since the beginning of the war.
As the ongoing war between the US-Israel and Iran enters its 13th day, a notable statement has come from Russia. The Moscow administration called on Washington and Tel Aviv to stop their attacks on Iran and return to diplomatic negotiations.
IMPORTANT CALL
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Russia is making efforts to take steps to reduce tensions and to bring the conflict back to a diplomatic platform.
"THE SITUATION IS EXTREMELY ALARMING"
Zakharova emphasized that the conflicts in the Middle East are increasingly worsening the humanitarian situation in the region, stating that the current escalation is extremely alarming.
The Moscow administration expressed that halting military operations and returning to the negotiation table is critical to prevent the crisis in the region from escalating further.
CRITICAL STEP WHILE THE UKRAINE WAR CONTINUES
This call from Russia comes at a time when Moscow is also continuing its own war. As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its fifth year, the Kremlin continues to pursue its diplomatic initiatives on the international stage.
WHY IS RUSSIA INTERVENING?
There are several key reasons for Russia's intervention. Moscow is trying to protect its geopolitical, strategic, and diplomatic interests rather than directly participating in the war.
1. Maintaining its influence in the Middle East
Russia is a significant player in the Middle East, especially due to its military presence in Syria. The weakening of Iran could lead to the strengthening of the US and Israel in the region. Moscow wants to maintain this balance.
2. Strategic partnership with Iran
In recent years, especially after the Ukraine war, Russia and Iran have established closer cooperation.
- Iran has provided Russia with drones and some military equipment.
- Russia also provides Iran with technology, military intelligence, and political support.
3. Balancing against the US
Russia is one of the countries that want to limit the global influence of the US. By providing diplomatic support to Iran, it aims to complicate Washington's unilateral use of power in the region.
4. Message to prevent the escalation of war
Moscow believes that a major regional war in the Middle East would have serious consequences for energy markets and global security. Therefore, it is trying to take on a diplomatic role by making calls for negotiations.
5. Connection to the Ukraine war
Russia is still at war in Ukraine. A new crisis in the Middle East could lead to a diversion of attention from the US and the West. This situation could create a strategic advantage for Moscow.
US-ISRAEL ATTACKS ON IRAN
Israel and the US launched a military attack on Iran on February 28 while negotiations were ongoing between Tehran and Washington. Iran responded with attacks on targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, where US bases are located, in addition to Israel.
In the US-Israel attacks, many high-ranking officials were killed, including Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Iranian officials, the death toll from the US-Israel attacks has exceeded 1,348, and the number of injured has surpassed 17,000.