The Russian Foreign Ministry stated today that the United States and Israel are deliberately provoking Iran to carry out retaliatory attacks on targets in several Arab countries, causing casualties and property damage. Russia deeply regrets this, asserting that Washington and Tel Aviv seek to draw Arab nations into a conflict serving external interests.

According to Russia, the only way to prevent further destabilization in the Middle East is for the United States and Israel to cease their aggressive actions. However, Moscow believes there are currently no signs that these two nations will halt their offensive campaign.

Iran and Russia share close ties; their navies conducted joint exercises before the United States and Israel launched their offensive campaign on 28/2. Russia then criticized the United States and Israel for conducting a "dangerous and irresponsible attack" on Iran, an action Moscow believes is pushing the entire Middle East into an abyss.

The Kremlin announced on 5/3 that Tehran has not yet made any requests to Moscow for military aid.

Smoke rises from airstrikes on Iran's capital Tehran on 5/3. *AFP*

Nearly 1,100 people in affected countries have died since the conflict erupted. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the United States and Israel's campaign against Iran poses a threat to global stability and the economy.

"What is happening in the Middle East now, stemming from the aggression of Israel and the United States against Iran, truly carries enormous, negative consequences for the entire world, as well as for global stability and the economy," Mr. Lavrov said. He added that Russia will make every effort to contribute to resolving the situation in the Middle East.

According to Mr. Lavrov, one objective of the campaign launched by the United States and Israel is to create divisions between Iran and regional states. He also accused NATO of gradually being drawn into the current conflict.

"That happened in Ukraine, and now it is repeating in the Middle East. It is clear that NATO is also being drawn into the conflict launched by the United States and Israel, just as this alliance has long been involved in Ukraine's affairs," he added.

The United States and Israel have not commented on Russia's statement. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on 4/3 urged Israel to "continue fighting to the end" in the conflict with Iran. Tehran also affirmed it would not abandon the fight, indicating the conflict will not end soon.

Huyen Le (According to Reuters, Sputnik, AFP)