Russia strongly condemned Israel’s military strikes on Iran, labeling them as unprovoked and in violation of international law.

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the attacks, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and military commanders, as a breach of the United Nations Charter.

The ministry emphasized that “unprovoked military strikes against a sovereign U.N. member state, its citizens, peaceful cities, and nuclear energy infrastructure are categorically unacceptable”.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed Moscow’s concern over the escalation, stating that President Vladimir Putin was receiving real-time updates from Russia’s foreign intelligence service (SVR) and the foreign and defense ministries.

The strikes, which Israel claimed were part of an operation to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, have heightened tensions in an already volatile region. Initial reports confirmed that the Bushehr nuclear power plant, constructed by Russia, was not hit.

Israel’s operation, dubbed “Rising Lion,” was launched in response to concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel and Western nations fear could lead to the development of nuclear weapons.

The Israeli military reported that over 200 fighter jets participated in the strikes, targeting more than 100 sites, including Iran’s air defenses, radars, and surface-to-air missile launchers. The main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz reportedly suffered significant damage.

Iranian state media reported that the attacks resulted in 78 deaths and 329 injuries in residential areas of Tehran, with President Masoud Pezeshkian vowing a “powerful response” to make Israel “regret its foolish act.”

However, Iran’s national oil company stated that its refining and storage facilities remained operational, and the country closed its airspace following the strikes.

Russia’s condemnation reflects its growing alignment with Iran, solidified by a 20-year strategic partnership pact signed in January 2025 between Putin and Pezeshkian.

While the agreement deepened military ties, it notably excluded a mutual defense clause, indicating Moscow’s reluctance to be drawn into a direct conflict in the Middle East.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of undermining diplomatic efforts to address Western concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, arguing that diplomacy, not military action, is the only viable solution. The ministry also criticized the West for fueling “anti-Iranian hysteria”.

Moscow’s position aligns with its broader geopolitical strategy. Russia has been a key supplier of weapons to Iran and has purchased Iranian arms, particularly since the onset of its war in Ukraine.

However, analysts note that Russia is cautious about escalating its involvement in the Middle East, given its focus on Ukraine and the potential risks of a broader regional conflict.