The current situation and rising tensions in the Middle East stem from the United States' desire to maintain its dominant regional influence, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated.

"In many ways, the current dramatic situation has become a consequence of the desire of the United States to maintain its dominant influence in the Middle East," Zakharova said. 

The diplomat criticized Washington's desire to "monopolize the mediation role" amid "Israel's" ongoing genocide in Gaza, highlighting its concern about preserving the status quo and promoting "economic peace" in the region. Meanwhile, the US is neglecting a long-term, permanent ceasefire based on decisions from the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, further contributing to the rising tensions.

Zakharova emphasized that the increase of US military personnel in the Middle East could lead to further escalation in the region, with Russia urging against actions that could worsen the situation.

Did Trump advise Netanyahu to reject ceasefire to block Harris win?

The United States is possibly "Israel's" number one ally, providing the occupation with financial and military aid, as well as enabling its ongoing genocide in Gaza within the last ten months. 

Although no longer in office, former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump has been discussing "Israel’s" war on Gaza with key figures. However, he is not intending to end the war.

Instead, Trump is reportedly engaging with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent a ceasefire agreement, believing that such a deal could boost Vice President Kamala Harris' chances of winning the November election, The New Republic quoted the PBS reporting.

“The reporting is that former President Trump is on the phone with the Prime Minister of Israel, urging him not to cut a deal right now, because it’s believed that would help the Harris campaign,” said PBS’ Judy Woodruff Monday night.

“So, I don’t know where—who knows whether that will come about or not, but I have to think that the Harris campaign would like for President Biden to do what presidents do, and that’s to work on that one,” Woodruff added.

Both Netanyahu's office and Trump denied the claims.

It wasn’t clear right away whether Woodruff was talking about a new report or referring to an Axios story from last week. That story mentioned two US sources who said that Trump and Netanyahu had discussed a ceasefire and Gaza captive negotiations over the phone.

During a press conference in New Jersey on Thursday, Trump mentioned their meeting at Mar-a-Lago from the previous month, saying: “I did encourage him to get this over with. You want to get it over with fast. Have victory, get your victory, and get it over with. It has to stop, the killing has to stop,” 

However, he also expressed criticism of the calls for a ceasefire.