Russia Warns Against Any New U.S. Strike on Iran After Geneva Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on Wednesday that any fresh U.S. military strike on Iran would carry “serious consequences,” urging restraint and a diplomatic solution following the latest round of indirect U.S.–Iran negotiations in Geneva.
In an interview with Saudi broadcaster Al-Arabiya, broadcast a day after U.S. and Iranian envoys met in Switzerland, Lavrov said further strikes — especially on nuclear sites — risked dangerous escalation and could undo recent regional rapprochements, including improved ties between Tehran and Gulf states.
He said Arab Gulf monarchies had signaled that they did not want tensions to rise, calling the situation “playing with fire.”
Lavrov emphasized the need to preserve Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear programme under international law and avoid actions that could destabilize the Middle East, underscoring Russia’s position that diplomacy should take precedence over force.
The warning comes amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the region, including the deployment of two aircraft carrier strike groups, as Washington pressures Tehran over its nuclear activities and broader regional conduct.
Iran is expected to submit a written proposal to address U.S. concerns after the Geneva talks, a senior U.S. official told Reuters, but negotiations remain far apart on core issues.
