**Russia Condemns Israel’s Strike on Iran as “Unprovoked Aggression”**
In a statement released on June 13, Russia’s Foreign Ministry expressed extreme concern over Israel’s recent strike on Iran, labeling it a dangerous escalation that violates the United Nations Charter and international law. This condemnation comes at a time when Moscow is already engaged in a conflict with Ukraine, the largest war on the European continent since World War II.
**Israel’s Preemptive Strike**
Earlier that day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced “Operation Rising Lion,” a preemptive strike targeting Iran’s nuclear program. According to Netanyahu, Israeli forces struck Iran’s main nuclear enrichment site in Natanz and targeted key nuclear scientists. This attack has been met with strong criticism from Russia.
**Russia’s Rebuttal**
The Russian Foreign Ministry denounced Israel’s overnight attacks as “unprovoked military strikes” that target a sovereign U.N. member’s nuclear facilities. The ministry warned that such actions undermine global and regional stability, calling it cynical that the strikes occurred during a session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and just before indirect Iran–U.S. talks in Oman scheduled for June 15.
**Moscow Accuses Western Countries**
The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Western countries of fueling “anti-Iranian hysteria” in international forums, warning that military solutions cannot resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. It urged all parties to show restraint to avoid a full-scale regional war. This condemnation comes as Moscow continues to strengthen its ties with Tehran.
**Russia’s Strategic Deal with Iran**
In May, Iran’s parliament ratified a 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Russia, deepening military and economic cooperation. Although this pact does not include mutual defense, it outlines joint military exercises, energy cooperation, and interbank links designed to circumvent Western sanctions. Additionally, Iran has supplied Russia with thousands of Shahed drones and ballistic missiles used against Ukraine throughout Moscow’s war.
**A Tense Situation**
The condemnation by Russia adds a new layer of complexity to the already tense situation in the region. As the international community continues to grapple with the implications of Israel’s strike on Iran, it remains to be seen how this will impact diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing confrontations over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
