ISTANBUL

Russia on Friday strongly condemned Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory, warning that the attacks violated international law and risked triggering a wider conflict in the Middle East.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed “extreme concern about the dangerous escalation of tensions” following the overnight strikes, which it called “unprovoked military actions” against a sovereign UN member state.

“The international community cannot afford to be indifferent to such atrocities that destroy peace and damage regional and international security,” the statement said.

Moscow criticized the timing of the Israeli attacks, which coincided with an ongoing session of the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors and ahead of planned indirect talks between Iranian and US officials.

The statement claimed the strikes undermined diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.

“It is obvious that a conscious choice has been made in Jerusalem in favor of further escalation of tensions,” the ministry said, warning that responsibility for the consequences would rest with Israeli leadership.

Russia further called on Western states to reconsider their stance, accusing them of provoking “anti-Iranian hysteria” and adopting “destructive” policies through recent resolutions against Tehran.

“No matter what explanations those who planned and carried out the attack on Iran might use, a settlement around the Iranian nuclear program cannot be resolved by military force,” the statement said.

The Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv warned citizens to refrain from visiting Israel and recommended those already in the country leave if possible.

“Those who can should leave Israel until the situation normalizes,” the embassy said, urging citizens to remain calm, follow local security guidance, and stay near safe areas.

The warnings followed large-scale Israeli airstrikes early Friday, with army spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin reporting that 200 Israeli planes dropped 330 munitions on targets in Iran.

The strikes killed several top Iranian officials, including Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Hossein Salami.

In retaliation, Iran launched more than 100 drones toward Israel, with interception efforts ongoing.

Both sides are reportedly preparing for further military confrontations, including potential Iranian ballistic missile strikes.