Russia is ramping up diplomatic pressure amid rising fears in Moscow of military escalation against Iran.
President Vladimir Putin said in an interview that Russia has repeatedly informed Israel there is no evidence that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons. He claimed that neither Moscow nor the International Atomic Energy Agency has seen any indication Tehran is pursuing a bomb.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry warned the United States against attacking Iran. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said such a strike would be “an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences.”
According to Israel’s Kan News, Moscow also conveyed a private message to Washington urging the US not to launch a military operation in Iran. The report noted that the message did not include any explicit threats or ultimatums.
Tensions have grown in recent days following reports that Israel may target Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Moscow warned that any attempt to assassinate Khamenei would be viewed “very negatively” and stressed that regime change in Iran is unacceptable.
For Russia, the goal is simple: protect its interests and preserve its image as a major power in the Middle East.
A wider war could complicate Moscow’s ties with both Tehran and Jerusalem, further destabilize the region, and weaken Russia’s standing as a key player and power broker.
