Middle East tensions simmer as U.S.–Iran talks loom and strike kills 13- Friday, 10 April
Amid fragile calm, António Guterres urged constructive U.S.- Iran talks, while Pope Leo XIV warned violence is spreading. Lebanon's Pres...
Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 16 January, offering Russia’s help to mediate tensions and promote dialogue in the Middle East.
In his conversation with Netanyahu, Putin outlined proposals for active political and diplomatic steps to ensure regional stability and security, according to the official website of the Kremlin.
During the call with Pezeshkian, the Iranian president informed Putin about Tehran’s active efforts to normalise the domestic situation. Both sides emphasised their shared position in favour of rapid de-escalation in Iran and the wider region through exclusively political and diplomatic means.
The leaders confirmed a mutual commitment to strengthen the Russian-Iranian strategic partnership and implement joint economic projects across various sectors.
The discussions took place amid nationwide protests in Iran and global concern over the government’s crackdown.
Analysts note that any threat to the survival of Iran’s leadership would be a matter of serious concern for Moscow, especially in light of Russia’s diplomatic and strategic ties with Tehran.
Russia has publicly voiced support for Iran’s stability and emphasised its interest in resolving tensions through diplomacy amid widespread protests in the country.
Ties between Russia and Iran have been evolving in recent years, including the signing a 20‑year strategic partnership agreement in 2025 covering economic, political, and security cooperation.
Asked what support Russia could provide to Iran, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “Russia is already providing assistance not only to Iran but also to the entire region, and to the cause of regional stability and peace."
"This is partly thanks to the president’s efforts to help de‑escalate tensions,” he added.
Moscow has also underscored its backing for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy while calling for political solutions to regional challenges.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has given an instruction for Israel to begin peace talks with Lebanon that would also include the disarming of Hezbollah.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to continue dialogue and avoid steps that could worsen tensions after China-hosted talks in Urumqi, with Kabul and Beijing saying the meetings focused on easing differences and improving relations.
Amid fragile calm, António Guterres urged constructive U.S.- Iran talks, while Pope Leo XIV warned violence is spreading. Lebanon's President said an Israeli strike killed 13 security personnel in Nabatieh.
Memorial events were held in Tehran’s main squares on Wednesday (8 April) to mark the 40th day since the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during U.S.-Israeli attacks on 28 February.
Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to one daily flight to its airports until 31 May due to the Iran crisis, raising fears of significant revenue losses for Indian carriers, industry letters show.
Afghanistan’s foreign ministry says the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged continued cooperation after talks in Kabul on aid coordination, bilateral ties and job creation.
Uzbekistan is advancing plans to reduce the state’s role in the economy while introducing a VAT refund system for foreign visitors, as part of broader efforts to attract investment and boost tourism.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the president of Kazakhstan, said on Friday (10 April) that a parliamentary election in the Central Asian country would take place in August but stopped short of naming an exact date.
Lebanon is sliding deeper into a food security crisis as ongoing regional conflict disrupts supply routes and drives up the cost of basic goods, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned.
Thousands of Palestinians returned to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem after Israel lifted a 40-day ban that had left one of Islam’s holiest sites largely closed.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment