Moscow calls for diplomacy amid heightened US-Iran tensions and pre-planned Russian-Iranian naval drills in the Gulf of Oman.

MOSCOW: Russia has called for restraint amid escalating tensions over a potential US military strike on Iran.

The Kremlin made the appeal as it conducted pre-scheduled naval exercises with Iran in the Gulf of Oman.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to strike a deal with Washington, hinting at possible military action. This warning follows a significant US military build-up across the Middle East.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated the ongoing drills with Iran were planned long in advance. He emphasised the exercises should not be a cause for international alarm.

“Russia continues to develop relations with Iran and in doing so, we call on our Iranian friends and all parties in the region to exercise restraint and prudence,” Peskov said.

He reiterated Moscow’s position that political and diplomatic solutions must be given absolute priority. Peskov expressed hope that dialogue would continue to prevail despite the current climate.

“We are currently witnessing an unprecedented escalation of tension in the region, but we still hope that political and diplomatic means and negotiations will continue to prevail in the search for a settlement,” he added.

The appeal comes as several nations have advised their citizens to leave Iran, citing the threat of open conflict. Meanwhile, Iranian and US officials held another round of talks in Geneva this week.

Iran has grown into one of Russia’s closest allies since Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine.

 The Sun Malaysia