MOSCOW - In the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East, Russia’s foreign ministry on Thursday advised its citizens against travel to the region, particularly to Israel, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories. This advisory comes as Iran threatens retaliation against Israel for an airstrike in Syria that killed a top Iranian general and six other military officers.
“We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from traveling to the Middle East, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, except in cases of extreme necessity,” the foreign ministry said. This advice echoes a similar warning issued in October when Russians were urged not to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories following an attack by Hamas.
The April 1 airstrike on Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus has further escalated tensions in a region already convulsed by the Gaza war. Iran has vowed revenge for the attack, which it views as tantamount to an assault on Iranian soil. However, Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack.
Meanwhile, conflict has spread across the region since the eruption of the Gaza war, with Iran-backed groups declaring support for Palestinian-waving attacks from Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. Despite this, Tehran has avoided any direct confrontation with Israel or the United States, while declaring support for its allies.
In response to Iran’s threats, U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Wednesday that Iran was “threatening to launch a significant attack in Israel.” He reassured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies. “Our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is iron clad. Let me say it again, iron clad – all we can to protect Israel’s security,” Biden said.
In the economic sphere, oil prices ticked up during trade on Thursday, after rising a dollar a barrel in the prior session. Investors are bracing for a worsening of the Middle East crisis, potentially involving Iran, the third-largest oil producer in OPEC.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions.
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