The Kremlin says that the Middle East is plunging into “an abyss of instability and war” and that Moscow was worried by events and still stood ready to mediate if needed.

Russia, which has close ties with Iran, and also maintains close links to Israel, has urged the US not to strike Iran and has called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis around Tehran’s nuclear programme to be found.

Asked on Friday if Russia had any red lines when it came to the situation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that countries in the region should have their own red lines.

“The region is plunging into an abyss of instability and war,” Peskov said.

Moscow sees that Israel wants to continue its military action against Iran for now, but Russia has lines of communication open with Israel and the US, Peskov added.