MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Russia is prepared to support mediation efforts aimed both at ending the aggression against Iran and stabilizing the situation in the Middle East as a whole in the event of a relevant request, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov told Izvestia.

"Should a request be made, Russia is prepared to support mediation efforts both regarding the cessation of aggression against Iran and, more broadly, the maintenance of stability in the Middle East, including within the framework of the updated Persian Gulf security concept we are promoting," he said.

The situation in Lebanon is a factor complicating attempts to revitalize the negotiation process between Washington and Tehran, the diplomat noted.

"Concurrently, this highlights its main vulnerability, which lies in the fact that Israel can become part of any agreements only indirectly, through the Americans," Alimov added.