Russia, India see potential Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS roles in easing US-Israel-Iran tensions

MOSCOW

Russia and India discussed the potential roles of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS economic bloc in de-escalating tensions Wednesday between the US, Israel and Iran.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov exchanged views in a call with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, voicing support for a swift normalization of the situation.

"They emphasized their support for the contribution of the SCO and BRICS to efforts to de-escalate the situation and create conditions for achieving a sustainable settlement based on a balance of the legitimate interests of all parties," it said.

Tensions escalated across the Mideast on Feb. 28 when the US and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran that have killed more than 1,300 victims, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries that host US assets.