MOSCOW – The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a sharp condemnation of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, warning that further military actions risk destabilising the entire Middle East, particularly neighbouring states.
In a strongly worded statement, Moscow criticised Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian territory, including its nuclear energy infrastructure, as a violation of international law that threatens global security. The ministry highlighted the international community’s firm response, citing the outcomes of the June 13 UN Security Council emergency session and the June 16 IAEA Board of Governors meeting, where Israel’s actions found little support beyond a handful of states acting out of “opportunistic interests.”
Manipulation of the Non-Proliferation Regime
The statement accused Western powers of pressuring the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to produce a flawed assessment of Iran’s nuclear programme, which was later used to justify an anti-Iran resolution on June 12. Russia argued that this move effectively enabled Israel’s aggressive actions, further inflaming tensions.
“The attempts by the Western camp to exploit the nuclear non-proliferation regime to settle political scores come at a dangerous cost to the entire world,” the ministry declared, labelling such tactics as “entirely unacceptable.”
Risk of Nuclear Catastrophe
Moscow warned that Israel’s continued attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities—many of which are under IAEA safeguards—pose an unacceptable risk of nuclear disaster, with global repercussions.
“These unlawful strikes not only violate international law but also push the world closer to a catastrophe whose consequences will be felt far beyond the region—including in Israel itself,” the statement read.
Call for Immediate De-escalation
Russia demanded that Israel halt all military operations against Iranian nuclear sites and urged the IAEA to swiftly produce a detailed, impartial report assessing the damage caused by Israeli strikes. The report, to be submitted to both the IAEA Board and the UN Security Council, should also address the endangerment of IAEA inspectors in Iran.
Support for Diplomatic Solution
The statement welcomed Iran’s reaffirmed commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its openness to resuming talks with the U.S.—provided Israel ceases its attacks. Russia endorsed this approach, stressing that “only diplomacy, not aggression, can ensure lasting peace.”
“The goals of nuclear non-proliferation must never be pursued through violence or at the expense of innocent lives,” the ministry concluded.
BY: The Times Union
