rki.news
Moscow, Feb. 19 – Russia has called on Iran and other regional actors to exercise restraint and prioritize diplomacy as tensions in the Middle East intensify, the Kremlin said Thursday.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow continues to maintain close relations with Tehran while urging all parties to avoid escalation and resolve disputes through political and diplomatic channels. He described the current situation as an “unprecedented” rise in regional tensions but expressed hope that negotiations would ultimately prevail in achieving a settlement.
The remarks followed the second round of indirect US-Iran talks held in Geneva earlier this week under Omani mediation. Both sides acknowledged limited progress amid an expanding US military presence in the region.
US Vice President JD Vance said the discussions were productive in certain areas but noted that Tehran had yet to engage on some of Washington’s key demands. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, described the atmosphere as increasingly constructive and confirmed forward movement in negotiations.
Washington has recently reinforced its regional military posture, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and dispatching the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier along with additional fighter aircraft.
The Geneva meeting marked the second round of contacts since US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last June. The first round took place in Muscat on Feb. 6.
Peskov also noted that planned joint naval drills between Russia and Iran in the Sea of Oman and northern Indian Ocean were pre-scheduled and not linked to the current tensions.