Russia warns Israel of a “catastrophic” attack on Iranian nuclear facilities

Russia’s deputy foreign minister warned Israel that attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities and thereby interfering in the conflict between the two arch-enemies would be “a disastrous development.”

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov issued the warning on Thursday, according to state news agency TASS, risking drawing Russia further into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and its regional proxies.

After Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1, speculation is mounting that Israel could target Iran’s nuclear, oil or military facilities, as it has long threatened, despite warnings from the US that it would attack on nuclear facilities will not be supported.

Highlighting the deepening ties between Moscow and Tehran, Ryabkov said Russia “has repeatedly warned and will continue to warn against even hypothetically considering the possibility of an attack on Tehran.” [Iranian] Nuclear facilities and nuclear infrastructure”.

On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that the Biden administration believes it has received assurances from Israel that it will not carry out attacks on Iranian nuclear or oil facilities.

A day earlier, the Washington Post reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had informed the Biden administration of his willingness to attack military sites in Iran rather than nuclear or oil facilities, according to official sources.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed a “very close” alignment of views with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, stoking fears of a wider regional conflict.

Iran has provided Russia with drones for its war against Ukraine, leading to further sanctions against Tehran, which both increasingly imposed military exercises together. Iran is also building a drone factory in Russia with its close ally.

Further sanctions were imposed on Tehran this month Delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia.

Iran and Russia, which are heavily sanctioned by the West, are becoming increasingly isolated on the world stage. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made it the most heavily sanctioned country in the world, surpassing even Iran.

Under these sanctions, Iran is deepening long-term agreements with strategic partners such as China and Russia, in line with Supreme Leader Khamenei’s “Looking East” policy.