Russia has issued a stern condemnation of Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, calling the operation a dangerous provocation with the potential to destabilize the entire Middle East. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated Friday that the attack violated international law and the UN Charter, as it targeted a sovereign nation without provocation.
“We strongly condemn the violent action of the State of Israel,” the Ministry declared. “Unprovoked military strikes against a sovereign UN member state, its citizens, sleeping peaceful cities, and nuclear energy infrastructure facilities are categorically unacceptable.”
The airstrikes, carried out early Friday by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), reportedly struck key Iranian military and nuclear sites.
תיעודים ראשונים: חיל האוויר וחיל הים מיירטים כלי טיס בלתי מאוישים ששוגרו מאיראן pic.twitter.com/sJ9S7QQsQc
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) June 13, 2025
Iranian media confirmed the deaths of high-ranking officials, including Major General Hossein Salami of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri.
Reports claim 78 people were killed and more than 300 wounded, including nuclear scientists and IRGC leadership.
Israel labeled the strike as a “preemptive” act to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, just days before the sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled in Oman. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of imminent retaliation: “A missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future.”
Israel is currently striking Iran’s capital, Tehran.
Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/YzYr0CneRz
— AF Post (@AFpost) June 13, 2025
Russia criticized the timing of the attack, noting it occurred during an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) session and just ahead of renewed diplomatic talks. The Ministry added that IAEA staff were caught in the strike zone and urged the agency to assess any potential radiological impact.
Moscow reiterated its position that the Iranian nuclear issue must be resolved through diplomacy, not force.
“We call on the parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation and a slide into full-scale war,” the Ministry concluded.
