Headlines
Russia urges restraint as US builds up military assets near Iran
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Summary
Russia says tensions around Iran are unprecedented as the U.S. moves warships while nuclear talks continue. Moscow urges Tehran and all parties to pursue diplomacy and show restraint.
Russia urges caution as US builds up forces near Iran amid tensions
MOSCOW, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday that it was seeing an unprecedented escalation of tension around Iran as the United States moved military assets into the Middle East, and the Kremlin urged both Tehran and "other parties" to exercise prudence and restraint.
The U.S. has deployed warships near Iran, while also holding talks with Tehran on limiting its nuclear programme.
Russia has a strategic partnership treaty with Iran, although it does not include a mutual defence clause. A Russian naval corvette conducted manoeuvres with the Iranian navy in the Gulf of Oman this week, according to Russia's Defence Ministry.
"These are planned exercises; they are coordinated in advance. Russia continues to develop relations with Iran, and in doing so, we call on our Iranian friends and all parties in the region to exercise restraint and caution, and we urge them to prioritize political and diplomatic means in resolving any problems," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"Right now, we are indeed seeing an unprecedented escalation of tensions in the region. But we still expect that political and diplomatic means and negotiations will continue to prevail in the search for a settlement."
(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Lucy Papachristou and Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Key Takeaways
- •Kremlin says tensions around Iran are at an unprecedented level as the U.S. moves military assets into the region.
- •Moscow urges Tehran and other parties to show prudence and pursue diplomatic solutions over military action.
- •The U.S. is engaging Tehran on limiting its nuclear programme while increasing its regional presence.
- •Russia says recent Russia–Iran naval manoeuvres in the Gulf of Oman were pre-planned exercises.
- •Russia maintains a strategic partnership with Iran that does not include a mutual defence clause.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia urges restraint as US builds up military assets near Iran
1What is the main topic?
Russia urges prudence as the U.S. increases military assets near Iran, calling for diplomatic solutions amid what it describes as an unprecedented escalation of regional tensions.
2Why is Russia involved?
Russia has a strategic partnership with Iran and recently conducted planned naval exercises with Tehran. The Kremlin is urging restraint from all sides while supporting diplomatic engagement.
3What could this mean for markets?
Rising US Iran tensions can lift oil prices, spur safe‑haven flows, and increase risk premiums across Middle East assets. Markets will track diplomacy and any change in military posture closely.
