Kremlin Spox Talks On Middle East, Regional Unrest, Grain Deal & BRICS

State-run RIA reportingcomments from Kremlin spox Dmitri Peskov, speaking on a number of subject to reporters. States that the Kremlin, 'Expresses concerns about the potential escalation of tensions between Iran and Pakistan'. Peskov says 'the tension and escalation in the Asia-Pacific region is partly a derivative of the terrible crisis in Gaza; there are signs of expanding conflicts in the region.'

• Peskov claims that there 'is no prospect of reviving the Black Sea Grain deal', adds 'Alternative routes to ship Ukrainian grain carry huge risks'. Turkey was one of the guarantors of the deal, but Peskov states that the 'approval for Putin's meeting with [Turkish President] Erdogan continues'.
• On Argentina leaving BRICS: "Of course, this is regrettable, but this is the sovereign right of Argentina, and we respect any decision of Buenos Aires. The Argentines chose their leadership, and the leadership considered it inappropriate for them to take part in this format now,” Says Russia hopes Argentina will find it 'more profitable' to be part of BRICS.
• On unrest in Bashkortostan region, Peskov denies mass riots, “I would not agree with the wording ‘mass riots’ and ‘mass protests’. There are no mass riots and mass protests. There are individual manifestations that rather relate exclusively to the competence of local authorities and law enforcement agencies,”
• Says there is 'no date' yet for Putin to visit North Korea. Comes after Putin met with North Korean Foreign Minister earlier this week, and amid increasingly close military links between the two nations.