Topline
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned about the “disastrous” risk of escalated conflict in a phone call with his counterpart in Russian-allied Iran, the Kremlin said Tuesday, days after Iran attempted to strike Israel following an airstrike on its embassy in Syria.
The Russian president called for “reasonable restraint” in the region.
Key Facts
In the call, Putin “expressed hope that all parties” would show “reasonable restraint” that would prevent a “new round of confrontation, fraught with disastrous consequences for the entire region,” according to the Kremlin.
The Kremlin says Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi told Putin Iran’s attacks on Israel were “forced and limited,” adding Iran has no interest in “further escalation of tensions.
Russia said both it and Iran are “in favor of an immediate ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas, which both leaders said was the “root cause” of conflict in the Middle East.
Key Background
Iran launched a long-anticipated attack on Israel on Saturday in response to an apparent Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria—killing a top Iranian commander and six others—earlier this month. Israel has not publicly taken responsibility for the airstrike, though the Iranian government blamed Israel and vowed revenge. Iran said its attacks on Israel had “concluded,” warning of further escalation that would be “considerably more severe.” Tensions between Iran and Israel have been amplified since Hamas—which is aligned with Iran—carried out an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, leading Israel to invade the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
What To Watch For
Israel is expected to respond to the Iranian missile attacks, Gen. Herzi Halevi, chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, reportedly said Monday. The announcement followed calls from several international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, urging Israel to show restraint to avoid further escalation in the Middle East.
Further Reading
Israel Says It Will Retaliate Against Iran Airstrikes (Forbes)
U.S. Privately Warns Israel About Retaliating Against Iran—But Won’t Publicly (Forbes)
Top Iranian Commanded Killed In Syrian Airstrike—Iran Blames Israel (Forbes)
