OREANDA-NEWS Russia is ready to provide assistance to resolve the situation around Iran. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, answering a question from a correspondent of <url>.

"We have repeatedly noted Moscow's readiness to provide due assistance to resolve the situation [around Iran], which requires reducing tensions," she said during a briefing.

Zakharova added that Russia welcomes any contacts that could lead to de-escalation around Iran.

Earlier, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Iran's natural reaction in response to hostile rhetoric from the United States. He commented on the decision of the Islamic Republic to put the Armed Forces on high alert.