Moscow: One of the goals of the US-Israeli attacks against Iran is to create discord between the Islamic republic and the Arab countries of the region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday. Speaking at a round table in Moscow, Lavrov noted that until recently there had been a positive reconciliation process in relations between Iran and its Arab neighbors.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov expressed his belief that the recent military actions aimed to disrupt the developing normalization between Iran and its Gulf neighbors. He emphasized that the Middle East is facing increased tension following coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which resulted in the death of several senior officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In retaliation, Tehran launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and US assets in eight Arab countries: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Iraq. These attacks caused casualties and damage to civilian property, actions that have drawn widespread condemnation.

Lavrov criticized the West's approach in the Middle East, highlighting their strategy of division and control. He remarked that the recent aggression against Iran exemplifies the West's "divide and conquer" tactics. Lavrov expressed regret that those suffering from this conflict are Russia's strategic partners.

He also raised concerns about NATO's potential involvement, pointing to statements by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte supporting the US-Israeli military operation. Lavrov suggested that NATO's actions are driven by its own interests, dictating its influence on the international community.

Russia, Lavrov stated, advocates for an immediate end to the aggression and is prepared to work with its partners on a draft resolution to cease hostilities in the Middle East. He criticized Arab states for not condemning the US-Israeli strike on an Iranian school that resulted in the deaths of 170 schoolgirls.

Lavrov questioned the logic that condemns Iran's actions while deeming the US and Israel's actions non-negotiable. He also expressed concern over alleged attempts by the US and Israel to involve Kurdish groups in the conflict, further complicating the situation.

Finally, Lavrov mentioned that Russia had raised the issue of Khamenei's killing with the US and Israel, who responded with allegations of Iran's plans to assassinate US President Donald Trump.