Russian Foreign Ministry has called Israeli and US strikes on Iran an “unprovoked act of armed aggression”.
An official statement from Russia’s Foreign Ministry was published on the ministry’s website.
“The scale and nature of the military-political and propaganda preparations that preceded this reckless step—including the deployment of a large US military contingent to the region—leave no doubt that this is a premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state, in violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law,” the statement reads.
“Washington and Tel Aviv have once again embarked on a dangerous adventure that is rapidly pushing the region toward a humanitarian, economic and, possibly, radiological catastrophe. The aggressors’ intentions are clear and openly declared—to dismantle the constitutional order and eliminate the leadership of a state they find objectionable, one that has refused to submit to the diktat of force and hegemony,” the ministry added
Moscow placed responsibility for any “negative consequences of this man-made crisis” on Israel and the United States and condemned their actions.
The Foreign Ministry urged a return to diplomacy, saying Russia, “as before,” is ready to help facilitate a resolution to the conflict.
Israel and the United States, meanwhile, have justified strikes on Iranian territory by citing a growing threat from Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the main goal of Operation “Lion’s Roar” is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. US President Donald Trump said the operation’s main objective is “to protect the American people,” arguing that Tehran threatens the United States and its allies.
Russia’s embassies in Israel and Iran advised Russian citizens to leave those countries if possible. The embassy in Israel said people can depart via the “Begin” (“Taba”) border crossing with Egypt. The embassy in Tehran said the optimal routes out of Iran are via the land border with Azerbaijan.
