MOSCOW, Feb 28 — Russia has strongly condemned the recent US-Israel strikes on Iran, describing them as a violation of international law and urging an immediate return to diplomatic engagement.
In a statement issued on February 28, the Russian Foreign Ministry said US and Israeli armed forces carried out airstrikes on Iranian territory earlier in the day. Moscow characterized the action as a “deliberate and premeditated” use of force against a sovereign UN member state.
The ministry said the scale of military preparations, including the deployment of US forces to the region, indicated the strikes were planned in advance. It described the operation as inconsistent with the principles of non-interference, peaceful dispute resolution, and the renunciation of force under international law.
Concerns over nuclear facilities
Russia also expressed concern over reports that nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards were targeted. It said attacks on such sites were unacceptable and warned of potential risks to the global non-proliferation regime.
The statement referred to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), describing it as a cornerstone of international security that could be undermined by military escalation.
Moscow questioned the timing of the strikes, noting that they occurred amid renewed diplomatic contacts related to Iran’s nuclear programme. It said such actions risk derailing efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation.
Call for international assessment
The Russian Foreign Ministry urged the United Nations and the IAEA to provide what it described as an objective assessment of the developments. It warned that continued escalation could destabilize the Middle East and carry humanitarian and economic consequences.
Russia called for a return to political and diplomatic channels, saying it remains ready to support peaceful solutions grounded in international law and mutual respect.
US and Israeli officials have said their actions were intended to counter security threats linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Iranian authorities have condemned the strikes and signaled retaliation.
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