WILL RUSSIA JOIN THE ISRAEL-IRAN WAR IF US INTERVENES?

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasizes that even the mere consideration of direct military support for Israel by the U.S. could "radically destabilize the entire situation".

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Russia has issued some of its most unequivocal warnings yet to the United States, cautioning that any U.S. military intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict would be "an extremely dangerous step" and could unleash "truly unpredictable negative consequences".

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized that even the mere consideration of direct military support for Israel by the U.S. could "radically destabilize the entire situation".

Meanwhile, spokesperson Maria Zakharova labeled Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites illegal and warned that the world was "millimeters" from a nuclear disaster.

These warnings reflect Moscow's broader strategy: exerting diplomatic pressure to dissuade Western powers from deepening military involvement, especially given the risk of a broader international confrontation.

RUSSIA'S PRESENCE AT BUSHEHR

Central to Russia's concern is the Bushehr nuclear power plant—Iran's only operating nuclear facility—which was built and is still maintained by Rosatom. Russia employs hundreds of specialists there. Alexei Likhachev, Rosatom's head, warned that an Israeli strike on the plant could cause a "Chernobyl-style catastrophe".

In response, Russia evacuated some staff but kept its core personnel in place and said it could evacuate all specialists on short notice.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Israel had assured Moscow regarding the safety of its workers, signaling that while Russia does not seek direct confrontation, it is ready to defend its nationals and key interests.