Russia has called for the US and Israel to cease their attacks on Iran and engage in negotiations, while China stresses the importance of security in the Strait of Hormuz as a common international interest.
On Thursday, Russia urged Israel and the United States to halt their military actions against Iran and to enter negotiations for peace. According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, the humanitarian situation in the region is dire, and the escalation of conflict raises serious concerns. The number of civilian casualties in Iran, due to what Russia describes as illegal military operations by Washington and Tel Aviv, is estimated in the thousands according to Iranian authorities. Zakharova emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution and expressed Russia’s commitment to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East as swiftly as possible.
In a strong statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated its call for an immediate halt to US and Israeli strikes on Iran, asserting that the situation should return to the path of diplomatic and political resolution. This statement comes in light of ongoing military actions in the region, which have prompted Russia to actively engage with Gulf leaders, offering its role as a diplomatic mediator to reduce tensions. The Kremlin's outreach could have significant implications for regional dynamics and international relationships involving Middle Eastern countries and major powers.
Meanwhile, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has echoed the sentiments expressed by Russia, highlighting the necessity of maintaining security in the Strait of Hormuz as a shared international interest. This underscores the critical nature of the region's stability, not only for the Middle Eastern states but for global economic security as well, given the Strait's vital role in the passage of oil and trade routes. The joint calls by both Russia and China may indicate a growing alliance between the two nations in advocating for diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.
