GENEVA, Feb 6: Russia and China have voiced strong condemnation of recent US air strikes targeting sites in Iraq and Syria, accusing Washington of exacerbating regional tensions. The rebuke came during a session of the United Nations Security Council held late on Monday.

Moscow and Beijing both lambasted the US for its military actions, with Moscow alleging that the strikes were not only aimed at Iran-aligned targets but also tied to the upcoming presidential election in the United States.

Russia's UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, asserted that the strikes were an attempt by the US to assert dominance and influence its domestic political landscape. He also criticized the Biden administration's approach, labeling it as "disastrous."

The attacks, which resulted in casualties including civilians, were denounced by Nebenzia as a blatant violation of international law, with accusations that the US sought to drag Middle Eastern powers, particularly Iran, into further conflict.

Syria, a staunch ally of Russia, joined in the criticism, pointing to US domestic politics as a driving force behind the strikes. Damascus's envoy, Koussay Aldahhak, rejected the notion of Syria being used as a platform for US election campaigns and condemned the display of brute force.

China echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over escalating tensions and accusing the US of exacerbating turmoil in the region. Beijing's ambassador, Zhang Jun, criticized US military actions for stoking further instability.

Iran's ambassador, Saeid Iravani, denounced the US attacks as a violation of international law and described them as a desperate attempt to divert attention from the root causes of regional turmoil, namely the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Washington defended its actions, stating that the strikes targeted sites associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which supports various groups opposing US influence in the region. However, Tehran maintains that its supported forces operate independently and denies involvement in the attack on a US base in Jordan.

Meanwhile, the US and UK have intensified attacks on Yemen, targeting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which aims to disrupt global shipping routes in protest against Israel's actions in Gaza.