SOCHI, May 10. /TASS/. Moscow expects Iran and Israel to exercise restraint and use only political and diplomatic means to resolve the situation, Acting Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"Certainly, we know that pretty tough statements are being made. Of course, Moscow is concerned about the growing tensions and hopes that all parties will show restraint and resort exclusively to political and diplomatic means to solve all existing problems," he said when asked about Russia’s attitude towards the deterioration of relations between Iran and Israel.

Earlier in the day, Acting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said following talks with his German counterpart Heiko Maas that Russia is alarmed by the escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel and insists on the resolution of the conflict through a dialogue.

"In our contacts with the Iranian leadership and the leadership of Israel, including yesterday’s meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we emphasized the need for avoiding any mutually provoking moves," Lavrov said.

"Both Iran and Israel have assured us that there are no such intentions. Nevertheless, such incidents do occur, as you know. It is particularly alarming that such incidents take place against the backdrop of statements emphasizing respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," he stressed.