Putin says two-state solution needed to end Middle East tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin said no country in the Middle East wants a “big war", adding that tensions between Israel and Iran have dramatically escalated. 

"The level of confrontation between Israel and Iran has sharply risen. This is all reminiscent of a chain reaction and puts the whole Middle East on the verge of full-scale war," Putin said on Thursday. 

"The key demand for restoring peace and stability on Palestinian territories is carrying out the two-state formula approved by the UN Security Council and General Assembly," he added. 

"Until this question is resolved, it will not be possible to break the vicious circle of violence".