Russia says US responsible for escalation of tensions in Middle East

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia said Tuesday that the US is responsible for the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, calling the Biden administration’s efforts in the region “a complete failure."

Commenting on Iran's retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Telegram that the latest White House statements on the matter "demonstrate complete helplessness in crisis resolution."

"The complete failure of the Biden administration in the Middle East. A bloody drama that is only gaining momentum. The White House's inarticulate statements demonstrate complete helplessness in resolving crises. The efforts of (US Secretary of State Antony) Blinken have led to tens of thousands of victims and a stalemate," she wrote.

Earlier in the day, Iran launched hundreds of missiles at Israel, saying all of them were targeting Israel's military infrastructure.

A Russian official delegation headed by Vice Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko was forced to make a U-turn on its way to Qatar because of Iran's attack.

Chernyshenko planned to participate in the 3rd Summit of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue from Oct. 2-3 in Doha.

On approach to Iran, the crew reported that due to the closure of the airspace of the republic, the aircraft would have to change course and refuel in the Russian city of Mineralnye Vody.