Key facts
- Russia condemned U.S. strikes on Iran, calling them irresponsible and a violation of international law.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated the strikes "close the door" to future peace talks.
- President Trump announced a "very successful attack" on three Iranian nuclear sites.
- Iran vowed retaliation and accused the U.S. of crossing a "red line."
- Russia and Iran plan to hold direct talks to address the fallout from the strikes.
Russia has strongly condemned the United States' strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, describing the action as "irresponsible" and a "gross violation of international law." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the resumption of U.S. strikes on Iran "does not lead to resolution" and "closes the door" to future negotiations, adding that civilian infrastructure was being damaged.
President Trump announced on Saturday evening what he described as a "very successful attack" against the nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. U.S. officials reported that the attacks caused severe damage, though the full extent of the setback for Iran's nuclear program remains unclear. Iran has vowed to retaliate, accusing the U.S. of crossing a "very big red line."
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that the attacks risked triggering a "humanitarian, economic and possibly radiological catastrophe" and accused Washington and Tel Aviv of "plunging the Middle East into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation." Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, commented that the U.S. is now entangled in a new conflict with prospects of a ground operation looming.
Iran and Russia are preparing to hold direct talks to address the fallout from the strikes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated he would travel to Moscow, emphasizing Iran's "strategic partnership" with Russia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Trump administration's offensive stance, which Israeli officials have advocated for.