On June 17, 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement calling on Israel to immediately stop attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling them “illegal” and undermining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Moscow also accused Western countries of manipulating global nuclear arms control mechanisms to exert political pressure on unwanted states. The statement came as the Iran-Israel conflict entered its fifth day of escalation, beginning with Israel’s Operation Rising Lion on June 13, and underscores Russia’s efforts to strengthen its role in resolving the crisis in the Middle East.

Israel has carried out more than 450 strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz complex, where the IAEA said it destroyed 15 centrifuges, and Shahed drone depots, according to Reuters. The attacks killed 000 people, including 550 civilians, the Tasnim news agency reported. Iran responded with a barrage of more than 200 ballistic missiles and drones, hitting Tel Aviv, Haifa and attempting to attack the Dimona nuclear facility, killing 1000 people, 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.

The Russian statement reflects support for Iran, which had previously appealed to Moscow for assistance in the UN Security Council, accusing Israel of starting the war, RIA Novosti reports. The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that strikes on sites under IAEA supervision threaten nuclear security and undermine non-proliferation efforts. Moscow also criticized the West for using sanctions and pressure for “political reprisals” against Iran, which Russian authorities believe destabilizes the region. According to RBC, Russia and China convened an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on June 16, but a ceasefire resolution was blocked due to disagreements.

The US, which supports Israel with intelligence and air defense, has increased its presence in the region, sending the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and 40 troops to bases in the UAE, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, CNN reports. President Donald Trump has declared control over Iranian skies and demanded Tehran's capitulation, but resistance is growing within the US: Congressman Thomas Massie is preparing a resolution against the war without congressional approval, The Hill reports. Politico reports that Washington is considering direct participation in the strikes, which German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed.