Russia said today that threats of military strikes against its ally Iran are unacceptable and warned that attacking the Islamic Republic could potentially lead to disastrous results if its nuclear facilities are bombed.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened Iran with bombing and secondarily with tasks if it does not reach a deal with Washington over its nuclear program, announcing that the United States has deployed additional warplanes to the region.
The Russian Foreign Ministry, when asked about Iran’s nuclear program and the dangers in the current situation, responded by saying that Moscow is committed to finding solutions to Iran’s nuclear program that respect Tehran’s right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
“The use of military force by Iran’s opponents under the settlement is illegal and unacceptable,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.
“Outside threats to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities will undoubtedly lead to an irreversible global catastrophe. These threats are completely unacceptable.”
Western powers accuse Iran of having a secret agenda to develop nuclear weapons by enriching uranium to a high level of purity, above what they say is justified for a civilian atomic energy program.
Tehran says its nuclear program is entirely for political energy purposes.
Russia and Iran signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership agreement” in January, although there is no mutual defense assistance clause. Under the agreement, if one side is attacked , the other will not assist the attacker.
Russia condemns U.S. threats, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Life magazine. Ryabkov said an attack on Iran could trigger a wider open conflict in the Middle East.
“Their consequences, especially if there are strikes on nuclear infrastructure, will be devastating for the whole region,” Ryabkov said.
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