Russia cautions US against aiding Israel in Iran conflict

Russia has urged the United States to avoid providing military support to Israel in its ongoing conflict with Iran, warning that such actions could destabilize the Middle East. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, emphasized that U.S. involvement might escalate tensions in the region, which is already grappling with a six-day air war between Israel and Iran.

The conflict intensified after Israel launched unexpected strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, scientists, and military leaders last Friday. Russia condemned these attacks as unprovoked and illegal. Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s SVR intelligence service, described the situation as critical, while Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned that Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites brought the world dangerously close to a nuclear disaster.

Despite a strategic partnership agreement signed in January between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Russia is not obligated to provide military aid to Iran. However, Moscow maintains close military ties with Tehran while also having a strained relationship with Israel, partly due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Putin has called for both sides to stop fighting, and on Wednesday, he offered to mediate a resolution to allow Iran to pursue a peaceful nuclear program while addressing Israel’s security concerns. Russia’s Foreign Ministry also advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran or Israel and to stay away from military sites and crowded areas in those countries. The ongoing conflict raises fears of further regional instability.