MOSCOW, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran have unleashed an "unprecedented cycle of violence" in the Middle East, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday.
In a statement, the ministry said the conflict, with no end in sight, has caused mounting casualties and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.
It said retaliatory strikes by Iran have also affected neighboring countries, while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the global economy, has been paralyzed.
The situation is rapidly destabilizing the Persian Gulf region and economic repercussions are increasingly being felt beyond the conflict zone, it added.
Russia renewed its call on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, avoid attacks on civilian infrastructure and shift the situation toward political and diplomatic efforts.
The ministry added that Russia remains ready to help facilitate a long-term and sustainable settlement of the conflict. ■
