Moscow/Tehran, June 28, 2025 —
A senior Russian diplomat strongly condemned recent attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities as a direct assault against global nonproliferation regime, warning such actions could further destabilize Middle Eastern stability and undermine international security norms.
Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, made these comments during a press briefing on Saturday following reports of covert operations and suspected airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure over the last week. Although no country has publicly claimed responsibility, Iranian officials have accused Israel of orchestrating “sabotage and aggression” against their sovereign assets.
Ulyanov stated, “These repeated attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities are both provocations and violations of international law,” she stated. These acts seek to dismantle diplomatic efforts while undermining credibility for global nonproliferation framework under Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Iran, as a signatory to the NPT, maintains that its nuclear energy program is strictly for peaceful uses. Recent incidents, however, including explosions near key Iranian nuclear energy sites Natanz and Isfahan, have raised renewed fears of military conflict between Iran and its regional adversaries.
Iranian authorities have promised a “measured but firm response,” calling on both the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and United Nations Security Council to condemn attacks against their nuclear facilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian declared this to be an attack against national sovereignty as well as any international consensus for peaceful nuclear development.
Russian Envoy Ulyanov warned of the long-term ramifications of any erosion of nonproliferation regime. When state or non-state actors attack nuclear infrastructure without being held accountable, this sets an extremely dangerous precedent that threatens global stability, Ulyanov said.
Russian has typically supported Iran in international nuclear negotiations, notably through the now defunct Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but Ulyanov highlighted that Moscow’s primary concern resides in nuclear security rather than alliances: any assault against nuclear facilities anywhere – Iran, North Korea or elsewhere- would constitute a serious risk to us all and cannot be tolerated.”
Israeli officials have maintained their policy of non-specificity when discussing operations against Iranian nuclear targets; however, military leaders have often expressed opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, asserting that Tehran may secretly seek weapons-grade capabilities.
IAEA officials have called for calm and demanded full access to all affected sites. Meanwhile, diplomatic sources report emergency consultations are taking place between signatories of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and UN Security Council members in order to address this situation.
As tensions increase, analysts warn that any unchecked attacks could escalate into full-scale confrontation, further destabilizing an already fragile region.