The Israeli war on Iran has "sharply escalated" the situation in the Middle East, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stated, warning of the broader regional implications.

Speaking during a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defense ministers in Qingdao, Belousov condemned the strikes carried out by "Israel" and the United States against Iranian military sites.

"The situation in the Middle East has escalated sharply. Above all, it is related to the Iran-Israel confrontation. Israeli and US strikes on Iranian military facilities and infrastructure. Such attacks are a gross violation of the UN Charter and international law," Belousov stated.

He emphasized that Russia had promptly expressed condolences to Iran for the human casualties resulting from the strikes. He also reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to contribute to regional de-escalation through mediation.

"We strongly condemned the actions of Israel and the US and declared our readiness to help de-escalate the conflict. We are prepared to provide mediation efforts in this process," he added.

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Belousov linked the escalation to broader regional crises, including the ongoing conflict in Syria, the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, and the instability in Lebanon. "The events in Syria, the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, and the situation in Lebanon are all the same," he noted.

He also warned of continued security threats across the SCO region, saying, "The spread of terrorist ideologies from the Middle East and the transit of militants to Afghanistan continues. The continuing instability in the country is the primary source of transnational crime and terrorist threats in the SCO space."

'Israel's' aggression on the ME since October 7, 2023

Since October 7, 2023, "Israel" has conducted widespread aggression across the Middle East, beginning with a brutal genocide on the Gaza Strip. Over 55,000 Palestinians have been killed in relentless airstrikes, with thousands more injured or displaced amid a humanitarian catastrophe.

Concurrently, in Lebanon, a tit-for-tat offensive began on October 8, 2023. "Israel" then launched a full-scale war on Lebanon in September 2024, killing over 500 civilians on its first day. Although a ceasefire was signed in late November, "Israel" maintains daily violations, including a number of airstrikes on Beirut's Southern Suburb, South Lebanon, and daily assassinations.

Syria has endured more than 220 Israeli air raids targeting military positions, especially in Damascus and Aleppo. A particularly deadly strike in November 2024 in Palmyra resulted in the deaths and injuries of over 100 people. Currently, Syria continues to witness the continued occupation of its lands, with daily raids and violations against its sovereignty. 

"Israel" has also expanded its aggression to directly target Iran. In April 2024, it bombed the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing high-ranking officials, and prompting Iran to launch an aerial operation in retaliation. Later that year, "Israel," along with US support, initiated strikes, targeting nearly 20 Iranian nuclear and military sites. Escalations continued into 2025, with new joint US-Israeli attacks on Iranian infrastructure.

In Yemen, Ansar Allah’s missile and drone campaigns, which came in support of Gaza and its civilians, led to increased Israeli aggression. Israeli strikes in December 2024 targeted Sanaa airport and the Hodeidah port, killing hundreds of civilians. Further strikes followed in May and June 2025 on Yemeni naval and air installations, as well as residential areas.

Read more: EU flags 'Israel' human rights breach in association pact: Reuters