Russia Condemns U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran as 'Act of Armed Aggression'

Russia has condemned the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran as a "preplanned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state," according to a statement posted by the Russian Foreign Ministry. The ministry accused Washington and Tel Aviv of hiding behind concerns about Iran's nuclear program while actually pursuing regime change.

The strikes, which killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials, have sparked widespread condemnation from Russia. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the U.S. had used negotiations with Iran as a cover to disguise a plan for regime change. She also condemned what she called the "cynical murder" of Khamenei.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressed his deepest condolences and described Khamenei's killing as a "cynical violation" of all norms of human morality and international law. Putin praised Khamenei as an outstanding statesman who made significant contributions to Russian-Iranian relations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that the war could backfire by spurring both Iran and its Arab neighbors to seek nuclear weapons. He noted that the U.S. does not attack countries with nuclear capabilities, implying that such actions could lead to a regional arms race. Lavrov also stated that Moscow had seen no evidence of Iran developing nuclear weapons.

Russia has maintained a strategic partnership treaty with Iran and has been a key trade partner and supplier of weapons and technologies for the country. However, Russia's response to the crisis is likely to be carefully assessed following recent warming ties between Moscow and Washington. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reiterating Russia's condemnation of the strikes and offering to help broker peace.

The conflict has raised concerns about regional stability and potential nuclear proliferation. Analysts suggest that a prolonged war in the Middle East could deplete U.S. arsenals, benefiting Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Additionally, higher oil prices resulting from the escalating tensions could provide greater revenue for the Russian state coffers.