Russia says it was signaled that Israel had no interest in military confrontation with Iran

ISTANBUL

Russia on Saturday said that the Israeli-US attack on Iran was carried out "despite signals conveyed to the Russian side about the Israelis' lack of interest in a military confrontation with the Iranians."

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry called for an immediate return to a political and diplomatic settlement after the US-Israeli joint attack in Iran.

The ministry described the attack as “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state,” adding that the attacks were carried out “under the cover of renewed negotiations.”

Russia urged the international community, including the leadership of the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency, to objectively assess what it called irresponsible actions undermining peace and stability in the Middle East, the statement said.

“Washington and Tel Aviv have once again embarked on a perilous course that is swiftly pushing the region toward a humanitarian, economic, and potentially even radiological disaster,” it added.

“The aggressors’ intentions are evident and have been stated openly: to dismantle the constitutional order and remove the leadership of a state they deem undesirable because it has refused to yield to the dictates of force and hegemonic pressure,” the statement said, adding that responsibility for the consequences of the crisis lies entirely with the US and Israel.

“The sustained and systematic nature of the destabilising attacks, carried out by the US administration against the fundamental principles of the international legal order in recent months, raises particular concern,” it said.

Russia is ready to help facilitate peaceful solutions based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests, the ministry added.

Israel and the US announced early Saturday a joint operation against Iran, citing "threats" posed by the "Iranian regime."

The attacks come as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday.

Last June, the US struck three Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day Israel-Iran war.