Russia issued a stern warning to the United States on Thursday against military intervention in support of Israel in its conflict with Iran.Following Israel’s unprecedented strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks, tensions have escalated significantly.As one of Iran’s principal allies with recently strengthened military ties and a strategic partnership agreement, Moscow maintains a significant stake in the situation. However, Russia has refrained from providing military assistance to Iran following Israeli air strikes, whilst Putin positions himself as a potential intermediary despite criticising Israel.“We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation,” Russian foreign ministry’s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.US President Donald Trump indicated on Wednesday his consideration of joining Israel’s strikes on Iran, stating: “I may do it, I may not do it.”Zakharova cautioned that US military involvement “would be an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences”.Following discussions between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both leaders expressed strong condemnation of Israel’s actions. Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov indicated that both nations advocate for resolution through diplomatic channels exclusively.Russia’s historical influence in the Middle East faces challenges following the departure of ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria last year and ongoing concerns regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.Putin confirmed Iran had not requested military assistance since Israel’s attacks began. “Our Iranian friends have not asked us about this,” Putin stated during a televised press conference in Saint Petersburg.The January treaty between Russia and Iran does not constitute a mutual defence agreement requiring military support. When questioned about potential responses to hypothetical scenarios involving Iran’s supreme leader, Putin declined to speculate.Xi emphasised to Putin that achieving a ceasefire remained paramount. “Promoting a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities is the top priority. Armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes,” Xi stated, according to Xinhua.Western leaders, including Trump and Macron, have dismissed Putin’s mediation offers. “He actually offered to help mediate, I said: ‘do me a favour, mediate your own’,” Trump remarked on Wednesday regarding Putin’s proposal.Inputs from AFP
