Russia calls for halt to civilian casualties as Middle East conflict escalates

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for an immediate halt to all actions causing civilian casualties in the Middle East, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict has already escalated into a regional crisis.

Speaking at a press conference, Lavrov urged all parties to take steps to prevent further loss of life and damage to infrastructure, TASS reports.

“As an unconditional first step, everything must be done to stop any actions that result in civilian deaths—whether in Iran, where more than 150 girls were killed in a school strike, or in any other Persian Gulf country. Civil infrastructure is also suffering in our friendly Arab states,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov also addressed the question of potential sanctions against the United States by international sports organizations in response to the events in Iran, expressing skepticism that any such measures would be taken.

“Your colleagues have repeatedly asked publicly about whether, for example, the International Paralympic Committee, or the Olympic Committee, or other federations holding sports competitions will take any decisions. There is no answer, and it is obvious that no one will dare to take such steps,” he stated.

Expanding on the broader impact of the conflict, Lavrov warned that the consequences of aggression against Iran are already being felt across the Middle East. He described the situation as a war affecting not only Iran but the entire region, including Arab nations, which are experiencing both economic damage and civilian casualties.

“Undoubtedly, the most prominent conflict, essentially a war of our times, is the aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the consequences of which are already being felt throughout the region, including in Arab countries, which are also bearing economic costs and, in some cases, human casualties. We consider it necessary to categorically and decisively call for the immediate cessation of hostilities by any side,” Lavrov said.

By Vafa Guliyeva