Moscow: Russia said on Thursday that renewed tensions in the Middle East over the latest US and Iranian strikes threaten the global economy as a whole, reiterating the call to return to negotiations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the potential negative impact of the escalating tensions on both the regional and international economy. Peskov urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and called for a return to talks to de-escalate the situation.

The recent hostilities have seen an exchange of attacks between the US and Iran for two consecutive days. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would launch additional strikes unless Tehran agrees to a peace deal immediately. The US Central Command stated that American forces targeted multiple military sites in Iran, defending the attacks as a response to the downing of a US helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump criticized Iran for delaying negotiations, insisting that further consequences would follow if a deal is not reached. The dialogue since the ceasefire in April, facilitated by Pakistan, has aimed at permanently ending the conflict that began on February 28, reopening the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the flow of oil and gas exports, and resolving issues related to Iran's nuclear program.

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its deep concern over the escalating tensions and called on all parties to immediately cease military actions and exercise restraint.