Sri Lanka, March 3 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have expressed hope for a speedy de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East in a telephone conversation, the Kremlin's press service reported.

"Mutual hope was expressed for a speedy de-escalation of the conflict and a return to political and diplomatic methods of settling differences based on the principles of mutual respect and equality," the report said.

Discover more Food testing laboratory services Global affairs documentaries Digital news subscription The sides also agreed to continue contacts between the two countries through various channels.

The United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran ...