• Russia warns the US against military actions that could destabilize the Middle East.
• Russian officials express concerns over Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.
• Moscow emphasizes the potential for a nuclear catastrophe due to ongoing tensions.
• Russia maintains a strategic partnership with Iran while having a complicated relationship with Israel.
• US political leaders discuss military options regarding Iran, raising regional tensions.

Russia is urging the United States to refrain from striking Iran, stating such actions would "radically destabilise" the Middle East. Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, expressed concerns that any direct military assistance from the US to Israel might further escalate the already volatile situation. He cautioned against “speculative, conjectural options,” highlighting the grave implications of such involvement according to SCMP, Newsweek, and Reuters.

Furthermore, rising tensions were marked by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which Russian officials described as tantamount to inviting a nuclear disaster. Sergey Naryshkin, the head of Russia’s foreign intelligence service, labeled the current state of affairs between Iran and Israel as "critical." Additionally, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova articulated that “the entire world” should be concerned as it strays dangerously close to catastrophe, underscoring the gravity of damage already noted by the UN nuclear watchdog according to SCMP and Reuters.

Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership agreement earlier this year, further straining Moscow’s already complex relationship with Israel amidst its ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite their alliance, President Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia would not be obligated to support Tehran militarily. This delicate balance highlights Russia's significant diplomatic stakes in the region, as it seeks to mediate conflict while protecting its interests, reflecting ongoing international dynamics as noted by Newsweek and Reuters.

The US has reportedly considered options for participating in strikes against Iran to prevent perceived nuclear threats, a move that President Trump suggested could involve Israel. Trump's statements have raised alarms about possible military confrontation, as leaders like Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned of severe repercussions to any military engagement, emphasizing the escalating risk of war according to Newsweek and Reuters.