MOSCOW: On the morning of February 28, US and Israeli armed forces carried out airstrikes on the territory of Iran. The scope and character of the military, political, and propaganda preparations that preceded this reckless step, including the deployment of substantial US military forces to the region, leave no doubt that this is a deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state, in direct violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law.
It is particularly reprehensible that these strikes are once again being conducted under the cover of the renewed negotiation process, ostensibly intended to secure long-term normalisation of the situation around the Islamic Republic of Iran. This comes despite assurances conveyed to the Russian Side indicating that Israel had no interest in entering into military confrontation with Iran.
The international community, including the leadership of the UN and the IAEA, must urgently deliver an objective and unbiased assessment of these irresponsible actions, which are aimed at undermining peace, stability, and security in the Middle East.Washington and Tel Aviv have once again embarked on a perilous course that is swiftly pushing the region toward a humanitarian, economic, and potentially even radiological disaster.
The aggressorsā intentions are evident and have been stated openly: to dismantle the constitutional order and remove the leadership of a state they deem undesirable because it has refused to yield to the dictates of force and hegemonic pressure. Responsibility for the impact of this man-made crisis, including the unpredictable chain reaction and the spiral of escalating violence, rests entirely with them.
The grave repercussions of these ill-conceived actions for the global non-proliferation regime, whose cornerstone is the NPT, are being openly disregarded. Meanwhile, the US-Israeli tandem seeks to cover its actions with a purported concern over preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The bombing of nuclear facilities operating under IAEA safeguards is unacceptable. Essentially, the motives of Washington and Tel Aviv bear no relation to the objectives of the non-proliferation regime.
Even they cannot but understand that by plunging the Middle East into the abyss of uncontrolled escalation, they are effectively prompting countries across the globe ā and the Middle East in particular ā to pursue ever more grave means of countering emerging threats.
The sustained and systematic nature of the destabilising attacks, carried out by the US administration against the fundamental principles of the international legal order in recent months, raises particular concern. Among the violated principles are non-interference in internal affairs, the renunciation of the use or threat of use of force, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
We call for an immediate return to a political and diplomatic track. Russia, as always, stands ready to assist in advancing peaceful solutions grounded in international law, mutual respect, and a balanced consideration of interests.
