Russia and China have said that the United States is “pumping up tensions” and could open a “Pandora’s box” in the Middle East after announcing that it will deploy 1,000 more troops to the already volatile region.
Fears of a confrontation between Iran and the US have mounted since Thursday following explosions on two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for the world’s oil supplies. Washington and Tehran traded accusations over the mysterious incidents.
China and Russia both expressed concern in strong statements over the developing situation in the Middle East and called on all parties to remain rational and restrained.
It particularly called on the United States to change its practice of extreme pressure. Speaking in the Chinese capital after a meeting with Syria’s foreign minister, Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi, also urged Iran to “make prudent decisions” and not “so easily abandon” the 2015 deal after US sanctions.
Iran had on Monday set a 10-day countdown to exceed the 300-kilogram limit set on its enriched uranium stocks if the deal’s other signatories Germany, France, Britain, China and Russia refuse to help it sidestep US sanctions.
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