From the Liveblog of
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Russia calls for restraint from ally Iran while also performing naval drill with it
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Russia calls for restraint amid growing tensions over a possible US attack on Iran, and as Moscow and Tehran stage naval drills that the Kremlin said were scheduled and should not be a cause for alarm.
Iran has become one of Russia’s closest allies during Moscow’s Ukraine offensive.
The United States has massively built up its forces in the Middle East and President Donald Trump has warned Iran to make a deal with Washington, hinting at military action if talks fall through.
Moscow and Iran also hold navy drills in the Sea of Oman today.
“These are planned exercises and they are agreed upon in advance,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says.
“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 prudence,” he adds.
Moscow is calling for “political and diplomatic means to be given absolute priority in resolving various issues,” Peskov says.
Some countries have urged their citizens to leave Iran, citing the threat of a military conflict.
“We are currently witnessing an unprecedented escalation of tension in the region, but we still hope that political and diplomatic means and negotiations will continue to prevail in the search for a settlement,” Peskov says.
The Times of Israel Community.