khaborwala online desk
Published: 19 Feb 2026, 04:46 pm
Russia has issued a stern warning over potential new military action by the United States against Iran. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cautioned that any fresh US strikes in Iran could have “serious consequences,” urging the international community to allow Tehran the opportunity to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme.
Speaking in an interview broadcast on Al-Arabiya television on Wednesday, Lavrov emphasised the need for patience and diplomacy. “The repercussions would not be positive,” he said, highlighting that Iran’s nuclear facilities, under the oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have already been targeted in previous incidents. “From these events, we can infer the real risk of a nuclear accident,” he added.
Lavrov’s comments come a day after indirect talks between US and Iranian representatives in Geneva, Switzerland, aimed at averting a growing crisis over Iran’s nuclear programme, according to Reuters. The discussions underline the heightened tensions in the region, with both Washington and Tehran seeking to prevent escalation while maintaining strategic leverage.
Lavrov also noted that he had been closely monitoring reactions from Gulf Arab states, warning that no country in the region wants rising tensions. “Everyone understands that this is playing with fire,” he remarked, referring to the potential for wider instability.
He stressed that continued escalation could undermine years of diplomatic progress in the region, including improved relations between Iran and its neighbouring states such as Saudi Arabia. “All the positive steps taken over recent years could be rendered ineffective if tensions continue to rise,” Lavrov warned.
Experts suggest that renewed military action in Iran could destabilise the already fragile security situation in the Middle East, affecting not just bilateral relations but also the broader geopolitical balance. Past incidents involving attacks on Iranian nuclear sites have already heightened concerns over possible nuclear risks.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Russian Warning | Any new US strike on Iran could have serious consequences |
| Nuclear Facilities | Under IAEA supervision; previously targeted in attacks |
| Recent Diplomacy | Indirect US-Iran talks in Geneva aimed at crisis de-escalation |
| Regional Reactions | Gulf Arab states monitored closely; no country desires escalation |
| Potential Risks | Escalation may reverse progress in Iran-Saudi relations; increases nuclear accident risk |
Lavrov’s warning underlines Moscow’s call for restraint and diplomacy, emphasising that military action would not only threaten regional stability but also risk reversing years of diplomatic achievements. The Russian Foreign Minister’s statement serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in the Middle East and the continuing international concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
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