Russia Warns Israel Not To Attack Iran Nuclear Facilities That Can Bring Disasters

JAKARTA - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned Israel against attacking Iran's nuclear facilities.

After Iran's missile attack on Israel on October 1, there emerged speculation that Israel would attack Iran's nuclear facilities, as they have long been threatened.

"We have repeatedly warned and continued to warn (Israel) against considering possible attacks on nuclear facilities and nuclear infrastructure (Iran)," Ryabkov said as quoted by TASS, Thursday, October 17.

"This will be a development that brings disaster and a total rejection of all existing principles in the field of nuclear safety," he continued.

It is unclear in what form Moscow conveyed such a message to Israel.

Israel and Western countries have long feared Iran was developing a nuclear bomb under the guise of a civilian nuclear energy program, but Tehran denies this.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel would listen to the United States, which has also warned against attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran.

But Netanyahu emphasized that he would determine his actions in accordance with his own national interests.

The statement was published in the Washington Post news that Netanyahu said to the government of President Joe Biden Israel would strike Iranian military targets, not nuclear or oil targets.

Russian state media also cited Ryabkov as saying Moscow was in constant contact with Iran, regardless of the level of tension in the region.

Russia has strengthened relations with the Islamic Republic since the start of the war in Ukraine and is preparing to sign a major partnership agreement with Tehran.