Russia is concerned about the confrontation between the US and Iran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Getty

In an interview recently published on the Kremlin's official website, Putin emphasized: "This worries us because it is happening near our country's borders. This could destabilize the situation around Iran, affect several countries with which we have very close relations, lead to an increasing wave of migration, and cause significant damage to the world economy and the global energy sector. We would welcome any improvement in relations between the US and Iran. An escalation of tensions would be detrimental to all parties."

Relations between the US and Iran became strained in May 2018 when President Donald Trump unilaterally announced his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on the Middle Eastern nation.

Relations between the two countries have worsened over the past two months as the US has intensified pressure to completely halt Iran's oil exports, a key sector of its economy.

In particular, relations between the US and Iran have come close to a "red line" after Iran shot down a US unmanned reconnaissance aircraft over the Strait of Hormuz on June 20. Although the White House withdrew its decision to retaliate with airstrikes already underway, it still imposed numerous sanctions targeting top Iranian officials.

Tehran responded to the US by withdrawing from some of its most important nuclear commitments and exceeding the permitted uranium enrichment limits.