30 January 2024

MIDDLE EAST CYCLE OF RETALIATION: Russia and China raise Warnings

In an apparent bid to temper America's expected retaliation against their Iranian ally, both Russia and China have today called for a de-escalation in the region.

  • The United States has vowed to respond to a drone attack on its base in Jordan
  • But Beijing and Moscow have both urged Biden to show restraint as he reportedly plots which targets to strike in retaliation against Iran and its proxies

The Kremlin, asked on Tuesday about potential US strikes on Iranian interests, said tensions in the Middle East were high and that steps were needed to de-escalate rather than de-stabilize the wider region, where fighting is currently raging in Gaza.

China on Tuesday also warned against a 'cycle of retaliation' in the volatile region.

Russia and China warn against 'cycle of retaliation' as Biden threatens to target  their ally Iran after drone attack killed three US soldiers | Daily Mail  Online
. . .'We hope that all relevant parties will remain calm and restrained... in order to avoid falling into a vicious cycle of retaliation and prevent further escalation,' Wang added.
'The situation in the Middle East is currently highly complex and sensitive.'
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: 'In our view, the overall level of tension is very alarming and, on the contrary, now is the time for steps to de-escalate tensions.'
'This is the only thing that can help us prevent further spreading of the conflict, especially the Middle East conflict, and somehow achieve de-confliction and de-escalation,' Peskov added. 

. . .Former CIA chief of staff Jeremy Bash said escalation is 'unavoidable'.

  • He said: Biden 'cannot avoid the international challenges even in an election year.' 
  • He added: 'There is a sense that our deterrence measures to date have not been received by Tehran as we hoped, so escalation is unavoidable.'


Qatar warns any US response to Iran strike threatens hostage negotiations |  Semafor

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