On Sunday, Russia said it was deeply concerned by Iranian strikes on Israel and called on all parties to exercise restraint. However, Russia added that tensions would remain high until the battle between Israel and the Palestinians was resolved.

Russia expresses its extreme concern over another dangerous escalation in the region, said the foreign ministry in a statement on the Iranian attacks.

Russia noted that Tehran had stated the attack was made within the right to self-defence after Israel’s strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that Moscow criticized.

Russia said that the West had blocked attempts in the United Nations Security Council to respond to the Israeli strike on the consulate. Moscow has close ties with Iran.

“We have repeatedly warned that the numerous unresolved crises in the Middle East, primarily in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, which are often fueled by irresponsible provocative actions, will lead to an increase in tension,” the ministry said, reported Reuters.

Trouble for Joe Biden?

Russia has yet to comment publicly. But ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that a battle between Israel and Iran would worsen Joe Biden’s chances of being re-elected US President.

The USA does not want a big war in the Middle East, said Medvedev on Telegram. The killings in Gaza worsen the US President’s prospects in the polls, and war between Israel and Iran would introduce additional uncertainty, he added.