Russia's President Vladimir Putin. AFP
"It is already clear that a dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security," the Russian foreign ministry added in a statement.
Moscow said Israel triggered the crisis through “unprovoked aggression against Iran – a sovereign member of the United Nations – in violation of the UN Charter and international law”. It dismissed Western claims of non-proliferation concerns as “fictitious” and “a flagrant display of cynicism”.
The ministry said indirect US–Iran talks were underway in Muscat when the first strikes were launched on 13 June, with Tehran preparing proposals for a new round of negotiations. At the same time, the IAEA Board of Governors was meeting on the nuclear deal.
“Israel’s actions have deliberately sabotaged these diplomatic efforts,” the ministry said. “Was this not precisely the objective pursued by Western Jerusalem?”
Russia also accused European leaders of inciting the escalation through “anti-Iran hysteria” ahead of the IAEA session, while now demanding Iran return to talks.
It warned that strikes on nuclear sites under IAEA safeguards posed an “unacceptable” risk, raising concern over the safety of the Bushehr plant, where Russian specialists are based.
Moscow said the international response, including outcomes from recent UN and IAEA sessions, reflected widespread rejection of Israel’s “confrontational and destructive course”.
It called for an immediate ceasefire and pledged to support diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.
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