Moscow, June 18 (UNI) Russia could play a key role in de-escalating the conflict between Iran and Israel and bringing the parties back to the negotiating table, said American economist Jeffrey Sachs, a well-known American economist and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, told RIA Novosti.



Speaking to RIA Novosti, Sachs said "It would be wonderful for Russia to mediate. What is needed is an immediate end to Israel’s aggression, and an immediate return to negotiations to finalise a deal to supervise Iran’s facilities and to end sanctions on Iran.”



The economist called Israel the aggressor in the conflict, and accused Tel Aviv of disrupting all possible room of a diplomatic settlement, despite the fact that a balanced agreement "was and is clearly in reach."



Israel launched the first phase of its Operation Rising Lion on Friday, using missile strikes at Iran’s military facilities, as well as its nuclear research centers, and its aerial defence systems.



The strikes eliminated some of the top brass of the Iranian regime, including chief nuclear scientists, its Presidential Advisor, and senior military officers, including commander of the Iranian Armed Forces, and leader of the IRGC.



The missile strikes killed 227 people in total, which also included citizens.



In response, Iran launched its Operation True Promise, launching attacks on Israeli residential areas and military facilities. Israel’s sophisticated defence systems successfully destroyed most of Iranian missiles, though over 24 people as of now have been killed.







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