The Kremlin has reacted for the first time after Israel's air strikes on Iran, expressing deep concern over the latest developments in the Middle East. President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, stated that "Russia is concerned and condemns the escalation of tensions."
According to Peskov, President Putin is closely following developments and is in constant contact with the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Russia is a close ally of Iran and has deepened cooperation with Tehran in recent years, both in the economic, military and energy fields.
Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a comprehensive strategic agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
However, this agreement does not include commitments to mutual military assistance, not constituting a formal military alliance. The Russian reaction comes as the region is on the brink of a wider conflict, with fears of the involvement of other international powers.