Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday warned that the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran could encourage Tehran — and potentially its regional neighbours — to pursue nuclear weapons.
Speaking at a press conference in Moscow after talks with Brunei’s Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, Lavrov said the stated aim of preventing nuclear proliferation could produce the opposite outcome.
He argued that launching a war under the banner of stopping the spread of nuclear weapons may instead stimulate support for nuclear development, not only within Iran but also in neighbouring Arab states. According to Lavrov, the threat to global nuclear security is intensifying as the Middle East conflict deepens.
Lavrov said assessments from the International Atomic Energy Agency and US intelligence indicated that Iran was not actively pursuing nuclear weapons prior to the escalation.
Addressing the prospect of sanctions against the United States or Israel over the strikes, Lavrov suggested such measures were unlikely. He noted that Russia and China had requested a meeting of the United Nations Security Council following the outbreak of hostilities but acknowledged that, as a permanent member, Washington could block any resolution contrary to its interests.
He described the crisis as a reflection of broader tensions between adherence to international law and what he characterised as its erosion.
Lavrov reiterated Russia’s willingness to mediate, saying effective diplomacy would require clarity regarding the objectives of the parties involved. While he said Moscow does not yet see clear goals from Washington, he stressed that Russia continues to maintain open channels with both the United States and Israel.
The Russian minister added that Iran, as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), retains what he called an “inalienable right” to enrich uranium.
Brunei’s foreign minister, speaking alongside Lavrov, condemned the US-Israeli strikes and urged respect for international law, sovereignty and dialogue to restore regional stability.
In a separate statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov also discussed the situation with Oman’s foreign minister, voicing support for a diplomatic resolution.
The latest remarks come after large-scale US and Israeli strikes on Iran killed several senior officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and US-linked sites in Gulf countries.
US President Donald Trump has said Washington aims to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons. The escalation occurred despite ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran that were being mediated by Oman.