Tensions are rising in the Middle East, with Russia urging measures to calm the situation and China warning against a “cycle of retaliation.”
In response to a drone attack in Jordan, the US vowed to defend its forces, despite stating it doesn’t seek war with Iran.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday vowed the US would take “all necessary actions” to defend its troops after a deadly drone attack in Jordan by Iran-backed militants, even as President Joe Biden’s administration stressed it was not seeking a war with Iran.
the Kremlin, asked on Tuesday about potential US strikes on Iranian interests, said tensions in the Middle East were high and that steps were needed to de-escalate rather than destabilize the wider region.
“We do not welcome any actions that lead to destabilization in the region and increase tensions, especially against the backdrop of the excessive potential for conflict,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
“We will not welcome the continuation of such actions, regardless of who they come from. The level of tension is high now and we need to take steps to de-escalate. This is what will prevent the conflict from spreading.”
Russia’s special representative to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, informed TASS that Moscow and Washington are currently not engaged in any dialogue regarding Syria.
Meanwhile, China on Tuesday warned against a “cycle of retaliation” in the Middle East after the US vowed to respond to the drone attack.
Beijing said it had “noted reports of casualties caused by the attack on a US military base.”
“We have also noted that Iran stated that it had nothing to do with the attack,” foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.
“We hope that all relevant parties will remain calm and restrained... in order to avoid falling into a vicious cycle of retaliation and prevent further escalation of regional tension,” he added.
“The situation in the Middle East is currently highly complex and sensitive,” Wang said.
London Calls for De-escalation
UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps urged Iran to use its influence on militias, including the Houthi rebels in Yemen, to de-escalate tensions in the region.
In a post on “X,” Shapps affirmed that London and Washington are in continued collaboration to enhance stability in the Middle East.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also strongly condemned drone attacks linked to Iran-affiliated groups.
Sunak expressed concern and pledged to urge Iran to seek de-escalation in the region, emphasizing strong support for allies in achieving stability and peace.
It’s worth noting that in response to recent attacks in Syria and Iraq, Washington conducted a series of strikes in Iraq targeting Iran-backed groups.
Protest and Political Resolution Call
In Tehran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly protested London’s accusations by summoning the British ambassador.
The ministry did not specify the reason for the protest.
During the meeting, an Iranian official rejected the baseless accusations by British authorities, condemning their sabotage activities, as reported by IRNA.
This comes after London and Washington imposed sanctions on an Iranian network, accusing it of ties to the Tehran government and targeting dissident journalists.
The Iranian official informed the British ambassador that such sanctions are “illegitimate.”
The Iranian Foreign Ministry criticized NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s remarks about “Iran's role in the region,” calling them baseless and akin to bitter humor.
Iran asserted that it adheres to a consistent policy of enhancing relations with neighbors while opposing foreign interference.
On his part, former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called for an Iranian role in supporting the resistance amid the complexities of the upcoming US presidential elections.
While avoiding direct comments on the killing of US soldiers, Zarif mentioned ongoing diplomatic efforts for a political solution in Gaza and its regional consequences.
“The possibility that Biden will order direct attacks on Iranian targets cannot be ignored,” political analyst Ahmad Zeidabadi wrote in the Ham-Mihan newspaper.
But he said any US attacks would more likely target “the bases of Iranian forces in other countries.”
The reformist Etemaad Daily newspaper also said it was “possible” the Biden administration — under political pressure from the Republicans — “will target limited but strategic targets inside Iran.”
“This scenario may spell the end of diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington,” it said.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Tuesday the solution to the crisis must be “political” and wrote on X that “diplomacy is active in this direction.”
