As an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iran last week sparks a spiraling conflict between the two enemy states, China has seen an opportunity to cast itself as potential peace broker – and an alternative voice to the United States.

"The military standoff needs to stop in order to stabilize the situation," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabko said.

Israel’s assault on Iran represents a double helping of good news for the Kremlin. Years of two-track diplomacy have allowed Vladimir Putin to position himself both as a friend to Israel’s

The Israel-Iran conflict showed no signs of easing as it dragged into its fourth day on Monday. With the two countries trading strikes that have killed civilians on both sides, the Russian Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to evacuate.

Russia has tried to maintain warm relations with Israel even as it has developed strong economic and military ties with Iran, putting Moscow in an awkward position as the two countries are on the brin

Russia is appealing to Israel to show restraint in the crisis with Iran, and believes Tehran is exercising its right to self-defence, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying on Monday.

Russia’s diplomatic balancing act between Israel and Iran has been tested by recent tensions. As Israel’s strikes on Iranian targets escalate hostilities, Russia could emerge as a key mediator in the conflict,

For Israel, the objective was to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities and demonstrate unequivocally that any threat to its existence will be met with overwhelming force. For Iran, retaliation served not only as a defense of national pride but also a signal to regional allies and adversaries alike that it remains capable of responding to aggression.

Now, with Israel and Iran verging on all-out war the European governments and Israel are — with minor tonal differences — on the same page. The leaders of all three European countries have said Israel’s right to self-defense and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon are paramount.

Blasts have been heard in Tehran and sirens have sounded in Israel as US president convenes National Security Council.

A ministry statement posted on Telegram noted Iran's "clear statements" on its commitment to adhere to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and its willingness to meet with U.S. representatives. The statement also said Moscow was waiting for the International Atomic Energy Agency to provide "unvarnished" assessments of the damage caused to Iranian nuclear facilities by Israeli attacks.