Russia and China have strongly criticised the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran, warning that the strikes risk escalating tensions in the Middle East and undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts. Both countries urged restraint and called for an immediate halt to military operations.
China calls for immediate cessation of strikes
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing opposes the military action carried out by the US and Israel against Iran. Speaking to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar over a phone call on Tuesday, Wang said the strikes had interrupted diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran.
According to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang noted that negotiations between the US and Iran had made significant progress, including addressing Israel’s security concerns," before the military action took place.
“Regrettably, this process has been interrupted by military action. China opposes any military strikes launched by Israel and the US against Iran,” Wang made the remarks during a phone call with the Israeli foreign minister, the ministry said.
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"China calls for an immediate cessation of military operations to prevent the further escalation and loss of control of the conflict." "Force cannot truly solve problems; instead, it will bring new problems and serious long-term consequences", he further added.
During the call, Wang also asked Israel to take concrete steps to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Iran. Chinese officials said Saar agreed to the request.
The conversation came a day after Wang spoke with the foreign ministers of Iran, Oman and France as part of China’s diplomatic outreach amid the growing regional tensions.
Russia warns of nuclear proliferation risks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also criticised the US and Israel, warning that their military campaign against Iran could produce the opposite of its intended goal.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Lavrov said the attacks could strengthen voices within Iran that favour acquiring nuclear weapons.
Lavrov, in a news conference, said that the logical consequence could be that "forces will emerge in Iran… in favour of doing exactly what the Americans want to avoid – acquiring a nuclear bomb."
“Because the US doesn’t attack those who have nuclear bombs", he said.
Lavrov also said Moscow had seen no evidence that Iran was developing nuclear weapons. He confirmed that he had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and said Russia remained ready to help find a diplomatic solution.
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"The seemingly paradoxical declared noble goal of starting a war to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons could stimulate opposite trends", he further added.
Moscow accuses US and Israel of aggression
Russia’s Foreign Ministry earlier condemned the strikes launched on Saturday, describing them as a “premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state."
The ministry said the US and Israel were "swiftly pushing the region toward a humanitarian, economic, and potentially even radiological disaster.”
“Responsibility for the negative consequences of this manmade crisis, including an unpredictable chain reaction and spiralling violence, lies entirely with them", the statement stated.
The criticism comes as Russia itself continues to face accusations of aggression following its invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has now entered its fifth year.
