Russia could join negotiations aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict — but only if the parties involved signal that such participation is needed. State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova shared this view in an interview with Lenta.ru, making it clear that diplomatic initiatives are not Moscow’s immediate priority. For now, she stressed, the focus is on the safety of Russian citizens caught up in the escalating crisis.

According to Zhurova, Russia’s stance remains measured, even as developments in the region raise serious concern. She recalled that Moscow had previously been involved in talks related to the Iranian track. However, it is currently unclear whether the United States would support a similar format. In her assessment, any such step would require agreements at the level of heads of state.

The lawmaker also drew attention to the situation facing Russian nationals who are unable to leave Saudi Arabia, Israel and other countries affected by the conflict’s active phase. Numerous difficult circumstances have emerged, she indicated, with many Russian citizens — including families with children — stranded abroad. Among them are youth football players who had traveled to the region for training camps and now find themselves unable to return home. Russian embassies, she noted, have had to step up operations in high-risk areas, an unexpected development even for places such as Dubai. Beyond the prospect of mediation efforts, she emphasized, ensuring the security of Russian citizens remains a pressing concern for the country.

The latest escalation began on February 28, when Israel, backed by the United States, carried out a series of strikes on Iranian territory. Tehran responded by targeting American military bases in the Middle East. On the same day, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed.

On March 1, the Israel Defense Forces announced that the operation to eliminate Iran’s top leadership had been completed. US President Donald Trump, commenting on the developments, said that 48 Iranian leaders had disappeared in a single blow.

The following day, March 2, the Israeli military reported the launch of a new wave of strikes, while Iran formally declared it was refusing negotiations with the United States.