Russian Condemnation of Israeli Strikes on Iran
On Friday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry criticized Israel for what it called an “unprovoked military strike against Iran,” targeting its citizens and nuclear facilities, which the ministry emphasized are part of sovereign UN member states.
“We strongly condemn the military actions taken by Israel on the night of June 13th. This clearly violates the UN Charter and international law principles,” the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
The Russians believe the global community shouldn’t overlook such aggressive actions, asserting that they jeopardize peace and threaten both local and global security.
Russia pointed out the timing of the Israeli strikes as “particularly ironic,” considering that nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are still ongoing.
“These actions severely undermine efforts in multilateral diplomacy aimed at easing tensions and addressing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program,” the statement elaborated.
Interestingly, President Donald Trump noted that the Israeli strike coincided with a period when Iran had stopped making reasonable proposals in their discussions in Oman.
“I don’t know if you’re aware, but I issued them a 60-day warning, and today marks the 61st day,” Trump remarked. “They need to make a deal before it’s too late. It could already be too late for them,” he added.
Trump commented on the leadership he previously engaged with, saying they are either “dead or seriously injured,” and suggested Tehran might consider sending a more moderate representative if they wish to negotiate.
During a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) earlier this week, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused “Western countries” of fostering “a wave of anti-Iranian hysteria,” which they claim has paved the way for Israel’s military actions.
Russia maintains that “the issue of Iran’s nuclear program must not be resolved through military means,” but rather through “peaceful and diplomatic efforts.” This seems a somewhat contradictory stance from a government known for its militaristic strategies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condemnation of the Israeli strikes in a Kremlin statement, reinforcing that these actions violate the “UN Charter and Law.” Reports indicate he spoke with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian before making his statement.
Despite his strong words toward Israel, Putin mentioned to Netanyahu that he is “willing to provide mediation services” to help de-escalate the situation.
One of Putin’s close allies, Kosachev, vice-chairman of the Russian parliament, asserted on Friday that Russia would support Iran’s allies. He remarked, “Israel’s actions cannot be justified legally, politically, militarily, or morally. The only hope to avert a full-scale war lies in the united condemnation of such operations by the international community.”
Furthermore, concerns in the Kremlin emerged regarding a potential loss of its international legitimacy as a mediator with Tehran. The Russians have even offered to assist in managing Iran’s nuclear material stockpiles as part of a peace agreement.
“Israel’s military campaign could test its strategic partnership with both Iran and Russia, potentially weakening Moscow’s negotiating position with Washington regarding Ukraine,” noted Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry highlighted that Moscow is likely to lose its supply of Iranian drones due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, signaling further challenges in military cooperation. They also reminded that the Iranian regime’s support for Russia in the war against Ukraine has led to many complications in the Middle East and beyond.
