Russia Says US-Israel Strikes on Iran Unjustified – Zakharova

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says the US-Israeli strikes on Iran cannot be justified under international law.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, has said there is no justification for the recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, arguing that the Islamic Republic posed no direct threat to either country.

Washington and Tel Aviv have described the strikes as pre-emptive measures aimed at dismantling Iran’s uranium enrichment and ballistic missile programs. Iranian authorities have rejected those claims, insisting that their nuclear activities are strictly peaceful and condemning the attacks as unprovoked.

Russia Rejects Self-Defence Claims

In comments to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Zakharova questioned the justification presented by the US and Israel.

“Although we are hearing claims from the US and Israel that they are even supposedly defending themselves… no one attacked them, no one threatened them,” she said.

Zakharova added that Iran had previously signalled its willingness to engage in diplomatic negotiations with Western powers over its nuclear program. The Russian government has already condemned the strikes as a “premeditated and unprovoked act of aggression,” accusing Washington and its allies of attempting to force political change in Tehran.

Putin Condemns Reported Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin also criticised the attacks, particularly reports surrounding the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the first wave of strikes. Putin described the killing as a “cynical violation of every norm of morality and international law,” according to statements released by the Kremlin.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has also denounced what it called a growing practice of “political assassinations” targeting leaders of sovereign states.

Civilian Casualties Reported

Iranian officials have said the attacks caused significant civilian casualties. Authorities claim that at least 168 children, as well as teachers and school staff, were killed when an elementary school in the southern Iranian town of Minab was struck during the bombing campaign. The school was reportedly located near a naval base belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

While the US military has said it is investigating the incident, The New York Times reported that satellite imagery, verified social media posts, and geolocated videos suggest American forces were likely responsible for the strike. According to the newspaper, the intended target may have been the nearby IRGC naval facility.

Rising Global Tensions

The escalating confrontation has raised concerns about a broader regional conflict in the Middle East, with Russia positioning itself as a vocal critic of Western military intervention.

Diplomatic analysts warn that continued hostilities could further destabilise the region and complicate international efforts to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

US-Israel strikes; Iran; Russia response; Maria Zakharova