The escalating conflict between the US and Iran is increasing the risk of a broader regional war, Russia has warned, urging all parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomacy.

The latest outbreak of hostilities began on July 7, when the US announced a new wave of “powerful strikes” after accusing Iran of attacking three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The campaign targeted Iranian military and civilian infrastructure, including bridges, power facilities, and transportation networks, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes on US military facilities across the Middle East.

In a statement on Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova urged “all sides in the conflict to demonstrate a responsible approach and restraint and to refrain from any actions that could expand the geography of military confrontation and lead to the further deterioration of the military-political situation in the Middle East.”

Zakharova said the escalation is “gaining momentum,” as the opposing sides continue to exchange strikes, causing large-scale damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran and several Arab states.

She warned that the conflict has increased the risk of disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, “with critical consequences for international energy and food security.”

Zakharova added that the deteriorating security situation is creating additional obstacles to efforts to revive negotiations under the Islamabad Memorandum signed by the US and Iran on June 17.

Moscow reiterated that disputes in the strategically important region should be resolved through political and diplomatic means based on respect for the interests of all regional states, adding that it is ready to provide any assistance necessary to help achieve a negotiated settlement.