Kremlin Calls for Calm in the Middle East

The Kremlin stated today, Tuesday, that tensions in the Middle East are escalating and that there is a need for steps to calm the region rather than destabilize it, in response to a question about potential U.S. strikes on Iranian interests. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin promised on Monday that the United States would take "all necessary actions" to defend its forces following a drone attack in Jordan, despite the Biden administration's assurance that it does not seek war with Iran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "We do not welcome any actions that lead to destabilization in the region and increase tensions, especially with the significant likelihood of conflict." He added: "We will not welcome the continuation of such actions, regardless of their source. The level of tension is high now, and we need to take steps to ease the situation. This is what will prevent the spread of conflict."