Russian President Vladimir Putin and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed “serious concern” over escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Kremlin said.

According to a statement, the two leaders, in a phone call, emphasized the need for a swift end to hostilities and stepped-up political and diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict while respecting the legitimate interests of all regional states, with which Russia traditionally maintains friendly and mutually beneficial relations.

Putin and Sheikh Mohammed noted “with particular satisfaction” the high level of Russian-UAE cooperation and contacts, which are successfully developing in many areas, it said.

Regional escalation has continued since the US and Israel launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.