Russia Criticizes Israeli Airstrikes on Iran as ‘Explosive Escalation’
On Saturday, Russia condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran, calling the situation an “explosive escalation” that poses serious risks to regional stability.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, urged for the prompt normalization of the military and political landscape in the Middle East. “We are deeply concerned about the ongoing escalation between Israel and Iran, which threatens security in the region. We are prepared to work with all parties to de-escalate tensions and urge against provoking Iran, which could spiral into uncontrolled conflict,” she stated during a media briefing.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported earlier that they had executed “precise and targeted strikes” on multiple Iranian military sites they deemed an immediate threat to Israel. These strikes, conducted in three phases with the support of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), were a response to a ballistic missile attack that occurred on October 1, according to IDF spokesman Brigadier General Daniel Hagar.
Zakharova highlighted that the IAF targeted military facilities in the Iranian provinces of Tehran, Ilam, and Khuzestan, coordinating with the United States. She noted that Iranian air defense systems, which were on high alert, managed to intercept a significant portion of the aerial bombs. There were reports of two Iranian servicemen being killed, but no civilian casualties were reported, including among Russian nationals in Iran.
She attributed the escalating tensions to the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict, referencing UN Security Council and General Assembly decisions that continue to fuel strife.
Russia also expressed deep concern over violence in Lebanon. Zakharova reported civilian casualties from widespread Israeli attacks on populated areas in Beirut and other cities. Notably, airstrikes on October 25 in Hasbaya targeted a residential area, resulting in the deaths of two Al-Mayadeen TV employees and a cameraman from Al-Manar TV, with others injured.
“This clearly indicates that the Israeli military aims to silence alternative viewpoints in the region, resorting to extreme measures,” Zakharova remarked. Since the onset of military operations in Gaza, approximately 140 media workers have reportedly lost their lives in the line of duty.
