MOSCOW, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday that it was seeing an unprecedented escalation of tension around Iran as the United States moved military assets into the Middle East, and the Kremlin urged both Tehran and "other parties" to exercise prudence and restraint.

Iran does not consider Americans to be enemies, but considers the policy of the US authorities to be hostile. This was announced on February 20 by the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic, Abbas Araqchi.

Israel Activates Emergency Preparedness After Trump's 10-Day Ultimatum. Iran-US Tensions LIVE: Iran held annual military drills with Russia as

US President Donald Trump has sharpened his warning to Iran, saying he believes 10 to 15 days is “enough time” for Tehran to reach a “meaningful deal” with Washington, failing which “bad things happen.

The Iranian naval drill and the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier near the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea underscore the tensions between the nations.

The exercise follows a recent IRGC drill in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, during which Tehran temporarily closed the strategic waterway, a move analysts say was intended to demonstrate its ability to disrupt global energy flows should conflict erupt.

Tensions escalated as Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a stark warning to the United States that any military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities could spark serious consequences and increase the risk of a nuclear incident,

Trump's latest threat comes as tensions ramp up and as the second US carrier nears the Mideast.View on euronews