Russia warns u s against ‘military intervention’ in iran israel conflict

Russia warns u s against ‘military intervention’ in iran israel conflict

Kremlin has not provided military support to Iran with Putin pitching himself as a possible mediator in the war; he adds that Iran has not requested for help and says the strategic deal between the two countries did not guarantee military arms.

Russia on Thursday warned the United States not to take military action against Iran, amid speculation over whether Washington will enter the war alongside Israel.

Israel launched an unprecedented wave of strikes at Iran last week, to which Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks.

Moscow is one of Iran’s most important allies and has deepened military cooperation and inked a strategic partnership agreement just months ago.

But the Kremlin has not provided military support to Iran in the face of Israeli air strikes, and Mr. Putin is pitching himself as a possible mediator even as he condemns Israel.

“We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation,” Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.

Ms. Zakharova warned any U.S. military action “would be an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences”.

Russia has for years been a key actor in West Asia, managing to maintain warm relations with all major players in the region.

But the fall of key ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria last year, and Israel’s war in Gaza — which Mr. Putin has repeatedly raised concerns about — have threatened to dent that position.

Despite their close military ties, Mr. Putin said Iran had not requested military help in the week since Israel launched its attacks.

“Our Iranian friends have not asked us about this,” Mr. Putin said in response to a question at a late-night televised press conference in Saint Petersburg. He also pointed out that the treaty signed in January was not a mutual defence pact and did not oblige either side to provide arms or assistance.

Asked what steps Russia would take if Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated, Mr. Putin said: “I don’t even want to discuss such a possibility.”

His spokesman said later on Thursday that Russia would be prepared to send humanitarian aid, if requested to by Tehran.