Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States on Thursday of pushing the Middle East toward the brink of war with policies that he claims hinder peace and worsen regional tensions. Speaking at the Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, Lavrov denounced Washington’s approach to the Middle East, particularly its unilateral exit from the Iran nuclear deal and control over the Arab-Israeli peace process, actions he says have had “catastrophic consequences.”
“The situation in the Middle Eastern part of Eurasia is worsening dramatically,” Lavrov stated, alleging that U.S. actions have driven the region “to the verge of complete destabilization and a major war.” He criticized what he described as the U.S.’s “monopolization” of the peace process, which he contended blocks genuine efforts to resolve the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Lavrov also sharply condemned what he termed the “collective punishment” of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, emphasizing what he called the staggering humanitarian toll from ongoing Israeli military actions. The conflict, which surged last year following a Hamas attack on Israel, has left over 43,000 people dead and more than 100,000 injured, according to health officials. Lavrov urged the international community to address what he views as a worsening crisis in Gaza, criticizing what he called Western silence on the situation.
Amid ongoing hostilities, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have also escalated, with Israel launching attacks into southern Lebanon following a recent cross-border offensive. Lavrov’s remarks underscore Russia’s position as a vocal critic of U.S. policies in the Middle East, highlighting a divide over the international approach to one of the world’s most complex and volatile regions.
Sources for this article include: Anadolu Agency.
