Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the United States and Israel of triggering an unprecedented wave of violence in the Middle East with no end in sight, according to a statement published on the ministry's website on March 16.

The US and Israel launched strikes against Iranian territory on February 28, targeting military and nuclear sites. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US assets across the region and closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.

The conflict has killed hundreds, disrupted global energy markets and paralysed air travel across the Persian Gulf, with oil prices surging past $130 a barrel.

"With their treacherous, unprovoked attack on Iran, the US and Israel have unleashed an unprecedented spiral of violence in the Middle East, the end of which is not in sight," the ministry said. "The victims of American-Israeli aggression number in the hundreds and thousands, and irreparable damage is being inflicted on civilian infrastructure."

The ministry acknowledged that Iran's retaliatory strikes were also causing suffering among civilian populations in neighbouring countries.

The statement noted that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for the global economy, had been paralysed by the escalation.

Moscow called on all sides to immediately cease hostilities and shift the situation onto a political and diplomatic track. The ministry said the priority must be halting attacks on civilian targets to stop the loss of civilian life.

Russia confirmed its readiness to assist in resolving the crisis.