Russia warns US against possible military assistance to Israel amid Iran conflict
Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov says even theoretical US involvement would destabilize region
ISTANBUL
Russia on Wednesday warned the US against providing any form of direct military aid to Israel amid growing escalation with Iran, with a senior official saying even hypothetical discussion of such involvement could inflame the situation.
“We warn Washington against even speculative, theoretical options of direct military assistance to Israel. Such a step would radically destabilize the entire situation,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the news agency Interfax.
Ryabkov criticized the US engagement in the region, saying Washington has historically remained “at the forefront of all processes,” and warned that any intervention now would not be a deviation but an escalation.
His remarks came days after Israel launched a series of massive airstrikes on Iranian targets on June 13, claiming it was aimed at disrupting Tehran’s nuclear program.
In response, Iran began firing missiles into Israeli territory, sparking concerns of full-scale regional war.
Israeli authorities said at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.
Meanwhile, in Iran, 585 people have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to Iranian media reports.
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