The Kremlin announced on Monday that Russia is maintaining continuous contact with Iran's leadership following what it calls "outright aggression" against Tehran. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is "deeply disappointed" by the unfolding events after US-led strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Khamenei's death as a "cynical" murder, while the Foreign Ministry accused the US and Israel of plunging the Middle East "into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation."
Peskov noted that Moscow is analysing the situation and reviewing its own conclusions after Washington proceeded with attacks despite promising talks mediated by Oman. He added that Putin was scheduled to make an Iran-related international phone call, and that Russia is continuing dialogue both with Tehran and affected Persian Gulf states...
As Peskov stated on Monday (and we quote):
As for the negotiations mediated by Oman between the United States and Iran, we can certainly express our deep disappointment that, despite reports of significant progress in these negotiations, the situation has nevertheless deteriorated into outright aggression.
I can only say that we are in constant contact with the Iranian leadership and are discussing the situation surrounding that country. At the same time, we are continuing our dialogue with the leadership of the countries affected by the conflict, including the Persian Gulf states.