MOSCOW — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any new US strike on Iran would carry serious and dangerous consequences, and he urged all parties to pursue diplomacy to prevent a broader crisis. His remarks, made in an interview aired on Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arabiya television, called for restraint and dialogue amid ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.
Lavrov said that previous attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities supervised by the International Atomic Energy Agency posed real risks of a nuclear incident and heightened instability in the Middle East. He stressed that escalating conflict would undermine recent diplomatic progress, particularly with Gulf states and Arab neighbours seeking to reduce tensions.
In addition, Lavrov noted that many regional actors do not want further escalation, echoing a broader desire among Arab countries and Gulf monarchies for a peaceful resolution. He said that boosting hostilities now could reverse improved ties between Iran and countries such as Saudi Arabia.
The warning came just after indirect talks between US and Iranian negotiators in Geneva, aimed at defusing the latest standoff between Tehran and Washington. A senior US official said Iran may soon submit a written proposal to outline how it believes the dispute could be resolved.
Meanwhile, US national security officials have reviewed military readiness in the region, with forces expected to be fully positioned by mid-March amid continued uncertainty. The United States insists Iran must abandon nuclear weapon ambitions, while Tehran denies seeking such capability and insists on the right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy.
Russia maintains close contact with Iranian leaders and believes Tehran seeks to resolve the nuclear issue under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Lavrov added.
