United Nations, New York: Russia has vehemently accused the United States and Israel of spreading disinformation regarding Iran’s nuclear program, asserting that such claims serve as a pretext for attacks that have created a “real threat of radioactive contamination.”
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting convened to discuss the recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia condemned the strikes by the U.S. and Israel, stating they were illegal under international law and violated the UN Charter.
Ambassador Nebenzia cited reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that, according to him, refute the claims made by both Washington and Tel Aviv regarding Iran’s nuclear weapons aspirations. The IAEA has previously stated that while there are concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities and its enriched uranium stockpiles, there has been no evidence to suggest Iran is currently building a nuclear weapon.
However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has also expressed deep concern over the attacks, emphasizing that nuclear facilities should never be targeted, and reported internal radiological and chemical contamination at sites like Natanz.
The Russian Ambassador characterized the attacks on Iran as “yet another attempt to legitimize the use of force outside the framework of the UN Charter,” underscoring Moscow’s consistent opposition to unilateral military actions. He warned that continued escalation could push the Middle East to the brink of a large-scale conflict with unpredictable consequences for global security and potentially lead to a nuclear catastrophe.
