Iran ready to mediate in Russia-Ukraine tensions

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman expressed Tehran’s readiness for mediation to resolve tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

According to Tasnim news agency, speaking to reporters at a press conference on Monday, Saeed Khatibzadeh said Iran is monitoring the developments in Ukraine closely and meticulously.

Expressing concern about the escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia, he said, “We have good relations with both sides and invite both of them to stay calm. We are prepared to make efforts (to resolve the tensions).”

The Iranian spokesman also lashed out at the US for sparking tensions, saying Washington has not learned lessons from its destructive policies in various regions, such as in Afghanistan.

He also noted that the Foreign Ministry has released statements, calling on the Iranian nationals in Ukraine to maintain contact with the embassy.

Tensions over the Ukraine-Russia crisis have been simmering for more than two months, with diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue showing little sign of progress.

Russia has more than 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine, as the Western governments have warned of an imminent invasion.

Moscow, which has repeatedly denied it plans to invade and says it is responding to aggression by NATO allies, dismisses those warnings as “hysteria”.

ME