Russia Warns of Large-Scale War Risk Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions

(MENAFN) Moscow issued an urgent call Tuesday for all parties entangled in US-Iran tensions to pull back from the brink, with the Russian Foreign Ministry cautioning that the fragile diplomatic process in the Persian Gulf is rapidly losing momentum.

"We note with regret that developments surrounding Iran indicate a stalling of the negotiation process to resolve the situation in the Persian Gulf," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, signaling deepening Russian alarm over the trajectory of regional diplomacy.

Zakharova reaffirmed Moscow's willingness to serve as a mediating force, stressing that Russia remains firmly committed to resolving "disagreements in the strategically important region" exclusively through political and diplomatic channels — not military ones.

Her warnings grew sharper as she addressed the threat of renewed hostilities. "A relapse into violence and damage to civilian infrastructure as a result of strikes on Iran and neighboring Arab states must be prevented," she said, adding that under present conditions, "any action could lead to a resumption of a large-scale armed confrontation."

The spokeswoman also raised the specter of deliberate sabotage, urging vigilance against "forces" she said were actively working to derail stabilization efforts and undermine peace.

Tensions across the region have remained volatile since US and Israeli forces struck Iran on Feb. 28, triggering retaliatory action by Tehran and severe disruptions to shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation took effect April 8, though subsequent talks in Islamabad collapsed without a durable framework. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce unilaterally, with no expiration date attached.

MENAFN06052026000045017169ID1111074698