Russia Calls for Restraint Over Escalating Situation in Iran

Russia & Iran – (Web Desk) – Russia on Thursday urged all sides to stay calm as tensions increased over a possible United States military strike on Iran. At the same time, naval exercises between Moscow and Tehran were underway, which the Kremlin said were pre-planned and not meant to raise concerns.

Meanwhile, Washington has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to reach an agreement with the United States, suggesting that military action could be an option if talks fail.

On the same day, Russian and Iranian naval forces were conducting joint drills in the Sea of Oman, highlighting their ongoing military cooperation.

“These are planned exercises and they are agreed upon in advance,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

“Russia continues to develop relations with Iran and in doing so, we call on our Iranian friends and all parties in the region to exercise restraint and prudence” he added.

⚡️Russia’s Lavrov on Iran:

No one wants any new escalation.

Everyone understands that this is playing with fire.

Iran was never once caught violating the NPT. pic.twitter.com/I58bEAgzvC

— The Global Monitor (@theglobal4u) February 19, 2026

Moscow was calling for “political and diplomatic means to be given absolute priority in resolving various issues”, Peskov said.

Some countries have urged their citizens to leave Iran, citing the threat of a military conflict.

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“We are currently witnessing an unprecedented escalation of tension in the region, but we still hope that political and diplomatic means and negotiations will continue to prevail in the search for a settlement,” Peskov said.

Iran and the US held another round of talks this week in Geneva.

Iran has become one of Russia’s closest allies during Moscow’s Ukraine offensive.