On June 17, 2025, a source in Iran's security forces told RIA Novosti that Tehran was counting on Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to help stop Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. The source stressed that the conflict was initiated by Tel Aviv, not Tehran, and called on the international community to address demands for a ceasefire exclusively to Israel.

"As for ending the war, it must be emphasized: Tel Aviv started the war, not Tehran. Demands to end the war must be addressed to them," - RIA Novosti reports, citing a source.

The statement came as the Iran-Israel conflict entered its fifth day of escalation, which began with Operation Rising Lion on June 13 and threatens to escalate into a full-scale regional war with global implications.

Israel has carried out more than 450 strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz complex, where the IAEA says it has destroyed 15 centrifuges, and Shahed drone depots, Reuters reports. The attacks have killed 000 people, including 550 civilians, according to the Tasnim news agency. Iran has responded by launching more than 200 ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, damaging Tel Aviv, Haifa and attempting to attack the Dimona nuclear facility, killing 1000, according to The Times of Israel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is continuing Operation True Promise 74, using Soumar cruise missiles and Shahed-3 drones, which can fly 107 km.

Iran's appeal to Russia reflects Tehran's desire to gain support at the UN, where Moscow has repeatedly opposed Western initiatives to tighten sanctions against Iran. According to RBC, Russia and China condemned the Israeli strikes as a violation of sovereignty and called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council, which took place on June 16.