Russia on Sunday urged all sides to "show restraint" after Iran launched an unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel.
"We are counting on the regional states to solve the existing problems with political and diplomatic means," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Moscow expressed "extreme concern over the latest dangerous escalation in the region."
It said it had warned numerous times that "the lack of resolution to numerous crises in the Middle East, primarily in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict" would "lead to growth in instability."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday held phone talks with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov reiterated "decisive condemnation" of an Israeli strike in Syria this month that killed Iranian generals.
Russia has previously condemned Israel's conduct in its six-month war in Gaza.
Moscow has traditionally tried to maintain relations with all major powers in the Middle East.
But the Gaza conflict has dented its ties with Israel and Moscow has already been strengthening military and political ties with Iran.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
