The United States’ reinforcement of its military presence in the Middle East risks an “escalation” of the war between Israel and Hamas, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.

Speaking about the US deployment of warships to the region during a meeting in Tehran, Lavrov, according to AFP, said “the more a state takes this kind of proactive measures, the greater the risk and the danger of an escalation of the conflict”.

He also said the US was “already among the countries intervening the most” since the Oct 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, and subsequent reprisals by Israeli forces on the Gaza Strip.

Opinion

Editorial

Shifting climate tone
Updated 08 May, 2026

Shifting climate tone

Our financial system is geared towards short-term, risk-averse lending, while climate adaptation and green infrastructure require patient, long-term capital.
Honour and impunity
08 May, 2026

Honour and impunity

THE Sindh Assembly’s discussion on karo-kari this week reminds us of the enduring nature of ‘honour’ killings...
No real change
08 May, 2026

No real change

THE Indian sports ministry’s move to allow Pakistani players and teams to participate in multilateral events ...
A breakthrough?
07 May, 2026

A breakthrough?

The whole world would welcome an end to this pointless war.
Missed opportunity
07 May, 2026

Missed opportunity

A BIG opportunity to industrialise Pakistan has just passed us by. This has been reconfirmed by the investment...
Punishing dissent
07 May, 2026

Punishing dissent

THE Sindh government’s treatment of the Aurat March this week was a disgraceful assault on democratic rights. What...