Russia Urges US Restraint, Calls For Diplomacy Over Military Action

MOSCOW: In an Iran-Israel war, Russia showed its support for Iran and condemned Israel. It also warned the US not to take military action. 

Moscow’s dire warning to the US:

On Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry shared a statement in which it clearly targeted the US. The ministry clearly stated that the only way to resolve the tension between Israel and Iran is through diplomacy. It also warned the US not to add fuel to the fire. Russia also warned the US to stay out of any military action in the matter. 

The spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, told reporters, “We would like to warn Washington against military intervention in the situation, particularly.” Zakharova stressed that any US military action “would be a perilous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences.”

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that any US decision to accept Russia’s call for diplomacy is not at Trump’s discretion alone. He elaborated, “These services can be accepted by countries that are currently directly involved in the conflict.”

Putin and Xi condemned Israel’s offensive:

The Russian and Chinese presidents strongly condemned Israel’s brutalities. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov noted, “Moscow and Beijing believed the end to the hostilities should be achieved exclusively by political and diplomatic means.” The Russian and Chinese statements clearly signal that these countries have a deep connection with Middle East affairs. Moreover, the countries want peace over conflict and are reinforcing their push for diplomacy over conflict.

Russia’s strategic balancing act in the Middle East:

Russia has built a stronger connection with Iran, Israel, Syria, and the Gulf States over the years. The Israel-Iran conflict and the genocidal attack on Gaza are weakening its position in the Middle East affairs.

However, the fall of long-time ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria and the ongoing conflict in Gaza have created strategic pressure. Putin has repeatedly voiced concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza and stressed that Russia’s influence and image in the region are at stake.

Putin confirmed that Tehran has not requested Russian military aid since the latest Israeli strikes. In a televised conference, he said, “Our Iranian friends have not asked us about this.” He also clarified that a January treaty between Russia and Iran is not a mutual defense pact and doesn’t require Moscow to provide weapons or direct military support.

Moscow draws a line on escalation:

While briefing the media, Putin was asked about the possibility of the assassination of the Iranian President, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He firmly refused to answer this and said, “I don’t even want to discuss such a possibility.” He reiterated the restraint Russia is exercising. He added that Moscow is prepared to assist Tehran on humanitarian grounds but only when Tehran asks for it.

Xi Jinping echoes calls for a ceasefire:

China’s President Xi Jinping echoed Russia’s aversion to war during the same phone call. According to Xinhua, “Promoting a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities is the top priority.” He also criticised Israel and said, “Armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes. Parties to the conflict, especially Israel, should cease hostilities as soon as possible to prevent a cyclical escalation.”

Diplomacy vs. Military confrontation:

Russia’s and China’s united call aims to prevent a rapid intensification of the Israel-Iran conflict. Moscow is cautioning both Washington and Tel Aviv against military miscalculations that could ignite a broader regional war. Russia and China insisted on diplomacy to prevent a military escalation into Iran and to de-escalate on all sides to preserve regional stability.