Russia Warns Israel Against Striking Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

MOSCOW, Oct 17 (Reuters) – Russia has issued a stern warning to Israel regarding any potential military action targeting Iran‘s nuclear facilities. According to a report from the state news agency TASS, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov cautioned Israel against even considering such a move. This warning follows heightened tensions after Iran’s missile attack on Israel on October 1, which has sparked speculation about a possible Israeli retaliatory strike.

Ryabkov’s statements, as quoted by TASS, emphasize the gravity of potential military actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. “We have repeatedly warned and continue to warn, to caution (Israel) against even hypothetically considering the possibility of a strike on (Iranian) nuclear facilities and nuclear infrastructure,” said Ryabkov. He further described such an act as “a catastrophic development and a complete negation of all existing principles in the area of​ ensuring nuclear safety.” The form in which Moscow conveyed this message to Israel remains unspecified.

Historically, Israel and Western countries have harbored concerns that Iran might be using its civilian nuclear energy program as a cover for developing nuclear weapons, an accusation that Tehran consistently denies. In response to these dynamic geopolitical tensions, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office released a statement acknowledging that while the nation listens to U.S. advice, it will ultimately act based on its own national interests.

The statement from Netanyahu’s office was reportedly linked to a Washington Post article suggesting that Netanyahu had informed U.S. President Joe Biden‘s administration of Israel’s strategy targeting Iranian military, rather than nuclear or oil, objectives.

In addition to addressing Israel, Russian state media quoted Ryabkov stating that Moscow maintains constant communication with Iran, irrespective of tensions in the region. Russia has been deepening its relations with Iran, especially since the onset of its conflict in Ukraine. According to reports, Russia is on the verge of finalizing a significant partnership agreement with Tehran, indicative of their strengthening alliance.