Russia and China have sharply criticized the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, warning that these actions could lead to a wider conflict and set a troubling precedent internationally. Their strong statements came just hours before Iran retaliated by launching missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the U.S. attacks as “unjustified,” suggesting they are pushing the world toward a dangerous tipping point. After meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the Kremlin, Putin expressed support for the Iranian people, although he did not specify how Russia would assist them.
Putin emphasized that the aggression against Iran lacked justification. He reiterated Russia’s commitment to help Iran, but details on this support remain unclear. Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed these sentiments, denouncing both the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. He criticized the rationale of attacking based on potential future threats and called for a return to diplomatic discussions.
Tensions have escalated significantly, with U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli officials discussing extreme measures, including the possible assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This has raised alarms in Moscow, which fears that such actions could lead to a full-scale war in the region.
During the Kremlin meeting, Araghchi reportedly delivered a message from Khamenei, though its contents were not disclosed. There were indications that the letter sought increased support from Russia, but Moscow has not confirmed this.
Putin later spoke about the growing instability in the region, noting that external powers are becoming involved in the conflict. He stated that this situation is bringing the world to a very dangerous line.
Despite having signed a strategic partnership with Iran earlier this year, Russia has refrained from making firm military commitments to defend Tehran. The agreement does not include a mutual defense clause, which has led to frustration among Iranian officials who feel let down by both Russia and China during this crisis.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov maintained that ties with Iran remain strong, asserting that Iran has the right to defend itself. However, the Kremlin seems cautious about provoking a direct confrontation with the U.S., especially as Trump aims to ease tensions with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
At a recent United Nations Security Council session, Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, compared the current situation to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, pointing out the similarities in U.S. claims about weapons of mass destruction. He criticized the U.S. narrative, suggesting that history has not taught American leaders any lessons.
In a show of solidarity, Russia, China, and Pakistan have jointly proposed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation as all parties navigate these complex developments.