KAZAN, May 10. /TASS/. Russia is concerned about the escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel, and has asked the parties to provide details of the missile attacks, Russian Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and African Countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told TASS, responding to a question.
"All of this is very alarming and raises concerns. It is necessary to deescalate tensions," he said. "We are verifying all the details now.
"We’ve got contacts with all parties," Bogdanov noted in response to a question on whether Russia undertook any efforts to normalize the situation. The senior diplomat added that there were contacts with the Israeli side on May 9, meaning a high-level meeting in Moscow.
Dangerous developments involving Iran and Israel are distracting from the war on terror in Syria, he added.
"This is all regrettable, all of this is happening on the territory of sovereign Syria. These dangerous developments are distracting us all from the fight against IS and Jabhat al-Nusra [terror groups outlawed in Russia - TASS], as well as from the process towards a political settlement," he said.
On Thursday morning, Israel attacked tens of Iranian military facilities in Syria in response to a missile attack on army positions in the Golan Heights. Earlier on Thursday, Iran’s Quds Force had launched at least 20 missiles and other projectiles on the frontlines of the Israeli army in the Golan Heights, according to Israel.
The Iron Dome air defense system intercepted some Iranian missiles, and the others failed to reach the area. No victims or damage in Israel were reported.