MOSCOW (Realist English). Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a sharply worded statement on Thursday condemning Israel’s overnight military strikes on Iranian territory, calling the attack a “blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law” and warning of grave consequences for regional and global security.
“We express our deep concern over the dangerous escalation of tensions in the Middle East,” the statement reads. “The unprovoked military strikes on a sovereign UN member state, targeting civilians in sleeping cities and critical nuclear energy infrastructure, are categorically unacceptable.”
The ministry emphasized that Israel’s decision to launch the attack on June 13, during a session of the IAEA Board of Governors and just days before the next round of indirect U.S.–Iran nuclear talks in Oman, represents a “conscious choice to escalate tensions and raise the stakes.”
Russia accused the Israeli leadership of undermining hard-won multilateral efforts aimed at reducing confrontation and restoring trust in Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. “The responsibility for all consequences of this provocation lies with the Israeli authorities,” the ministry said.
IAEA under pressure, calls for accountability
Moscow also called attention to the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stating that IAEA staff were placed at risk during the Israeli strikes, alongside Iranian civilians. The ministry urged IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to provide a “balanced and objective assessment” of the attacks, including a detailed analysis of potential radiological consequences.
Russia criticized Western nations for pushing a politically motivated resolution against Iran at the IAEA earlier this week, saying the move fanned the flames of “anti-Iran hysteria” and contributed to the current crisis. “We expect those responsible for this destructive course to acknowledge the tragic consequences of their actions,” the statement added.
Moscow urges diplomacy, not force
The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Russia’s position that Iran’s nuclear issue cannot be resolved by military means, and that any durable solution must come through peaceful, political, and diplomatic efforts. It called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a descent into “full-scale war.”
In closing, the statement highlighted the importance of the upcoming U.S.–Iran nuclear dialogue in Oman, reiterating Moscow’s support for a negotiated settlement. “We hope that reason will prevail,” the ministry said, “and that diplomacy, not force, will shape the region’s future.”
