The Kremlin has strongly condemned the recent U.S. military operation targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, labeling it a unilateral move that heightens instability in the Middle East and undermines diplomatic efforts. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, criticized the attack and accused Washington of ignoring a specific mediation proposal made by Moscow just days before the bombing.
The criticisms followed the destruction of the Iranian Fordow nuclear plant and strikes on other crucial sites in Natanz and Isfahan. The assault, carried out by B-2 bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles, was confirmed by President Donald Trump, who celebrated the operation by stating that "Fordow is gone."
From Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dimitri Peskov warned that the Middle East is "on the brink of disaster," cautioning that such actions could lead to unpredictable consequences. "This unprecedented escalation by the United States poses a threat not just to Iran but risks regional and even global conflict expansion," Peskov remarked during a press briefing reported by Reuters.
Russia's Diplomatic Efforts Ignored
Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's Security Council Vice Chairman, was even more direct: "Trump has just launched a new war for the United States." In a statement shared by Russian state media and Reuters, Medvedev accused the U.S. president of seeking political gain through military intervention, which he claimed "endangers the security of the entire Western Asia."
These comments come in the wake of President Putin offering to mediate between Washington and Tehran to prevent such outcomes. At the recent St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Putin proposed a trilateral dialogue mechanism involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, with Russia acting as a facilitator.
"We are prepared to mediate. We can engage with Iran, Israel, and the U.S. We recognize legitimate concerns on all sides, but bombing is not the solution," Putin stated, according to AP. Russian diplomatic sources mentioned by TASS noted that Moscow had officially communicated this proposal, yet it received no formal response from Washington.
Trump's Dismissive Stand
Trump publicly dismissed the Kremlin's initiative during a Fox News interview. "Putin offered to mediate. I told him: do me a favor, start by resolving your own issues in Ukraine," the president commented, with a dismissive tone.
Beyond rejecting the mediation, the Kremlin voiced concerns about the possibility of the U.S. considering the use of tactical nuclear weapons in future assaults. "Such a move would be catastrophic for humanity," Peskov warned. Although there are no concrete signs that the Pentagon is contemplating this option, Russia believes that the destruction of Fordow sets a dangerous precedent.
Moscow reiterated its support for Iran's right to develop a peaceful nuclear program under international supervision and stressed that any actions against these facilities must be endorsed by the UN Security Council. Putin also cautioned that "using military force as a political solution condemns the region to an endless cycle of violence" and regretted that his proposal was overlooked. "Russia offered dialogue, others offered bombs," he concluded.
As Iran considers its response to the attacks and tensions escalate in the region, Russia has bolstered its diplomatic communications with nations like China and Turkey to prevent a broader regional conflict. However, the Kremlin's message was unequivocal: "The United States has crossed a dangerous line," Medvedev stated.
Implications of U.S. Military Actions in Iran
How has Russia reacted to the U.S. attack on Iran?
Russia condemned the U.S. attack as a unilateral move that increases instability in the Middle East and undermines diplomatic efforts. Russian officials have criticized the operation and accused the U.S. of ignoring their mediation proposal.
What was President Putin’s proposal regarding the U.S. and Iran?
President Putin proposed a trilateral dialogue involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, with Russia acting as a mediator to promote dialogue and prevent conflict.
Why did the Kremlin criticize the use of military force?
The Kremlin argues that military force as a political solution leads to an endless cycle of violence and poses a risk of expanding regional and global conflicts.