Minsk: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday conveyed his condolences over the deaths of civilians, including children, and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during a meeting with Tehran's Ambassador Alireza Sanei.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lukashenko spoke of his 'good relationship' with the late Khamenei, stating he 'was a humanist, not a military man, focused on protecting his people and his state.'

Lukashenko criticized the US-Israeli attack on Iran, describing it as 'treacherous' and condemning the deaths of 'innocent civilians, especially children' as 'unacceptable.' He further expressed his concern about the escalating tensions in the Middle East, highlighting the potential involvement of Gulf states in the conflict.

"I'm alarmed by the fact that the Gulf states could be drawn into this war and become participants in this savage conflict. I fear that's exactly what will happen," Lukashenko remarked. He urged the international community, especially major countries like Israel and the United States, to recognize the potential for the conflict to lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Tensions have risen across the region since the US and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran on Saturday, resulting in nearly 800 casualties, including the Iranian supreme leader and senior military officials. In retaliation, Iran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries, which house US military assets.

US authorities reported that six US service members were killed and several others wounded in an Iranian strike on a tactical operations center in Kuwait during the operation.