Russia Condemns US Strikes on Iran, Warns of Escalation

Russia has strongly condemned recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities coordinated with Israel, calling them 'unprovoked aggression' and indicating readiness to assist Iran if requested. President Vladimir Putin met with Iran's foreign minister to offer mediation and unspecified support, while former President Dmitry Medvedev warned that the situation could escalate to involve nuclear weapons. Russia's UN ambassador has cautioned that the strikes could spark a large-scale regional conflict with unpredictable global consequences. Despite vocal support from Russia and China, there is reluctance to provide Iran with direct military assistance due to fears of a broader proxy war. The situation has also reinforced North Korea's belief in the necessity of nuclear weapons for regime security, though experts note significant differences between Iran's and North Korea's positions. Calls for de-escalation persist as tensions in the Middle East remain high.