Kremlin Calls for Restraint on Iran After Trump Signals Support for New U.S. Strike
The Kremlin on Tuesday urged all sides to avoid further escalation over Iran, responding to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Washington would back another major military strike against the Islamic Republic.
Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said on Monday that Iran may be attempting to rebuild its weapons programs following a U.S. strike carried out in June. Iran has repeatedly denied pursuing a nuclear weapons program.
“I’ve been reading that they’re building up weapons and other things, and if they are, they’re not using the sites we obliterated, but possibly different sites,” Trump told reporters during a news conference.
Russia, which has strengthened ties with Tehran since the start of its war in Ukraine, called for de-escalation and dialogue. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow believes any steps that could heighten tensions in the region should be avoided.
“We believe that it is necessary to refrain from actions that could escalate the situation and that dialogue with Iran is essential,” Peskov told reporters, adding that Russia would continue to develop close relations with Tehran.
