Statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry in Connection With the Armed Aggression by the US and Israel Against Iran
On the morning of February 28, the armed forces of the US and Israel began launching military airstrikes on Iranian territory.
The scale and nature of the reckless military-political and propaganda preparations preceding this step, including the deployment of a large US military grouping to the region, leave no doubt that this is a premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state, in violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law.
Also deserving of condemnation is the fact that the attacks are once again being carried out under the cover of a renewed negotiation process, ostensibly aimed at ensuring long-term normalization of the situation around the Islamic Republic, and contrary to signals conveyed to the Russian side about the Israelis' lack of interest in military confrontation with the Iranians.
The international community, including the leadership of the UN and the IAEA, is obliged to immediately provide an objective and uncompromising assessment of these irresponsible actions aimed at undermining peace, stability, and security in the Middle East.
Washington and Tel Aviv have once again embarked on a dangerous adventure that is rapidly bringing the region closer to a humanitarian, economic, and possibly radiological catastrophe.
The aggressors' intentions are clear and openly declared by them – to destroy the constitutional order and eliminate the leadership of a state that is unacceptable to them, which has refused to submit to forceful dictation and hegemony. The full responsibility for the negative consequences of this man-made crisis, including an unpredictable chain reaction and the escalation of the spiral of violence, lies entirely with them.
The severe consequences of these ill-considered steps for the global non-proliferation regime, the cornerstone of which is the NPT, are being openly ignored. At the same time, the American-Israeli tandem is hiding behind a feigned concern that the Iranians should not acquire nuclear weapons. Bombing nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards is unacceptable.
In reality, Washington and Tel Aviv's motives have nothing to do with the non-proliferation regime. They cannot fail to understand that by plunging the Middle East into the abyss of uncontrolled escalation, they are effectively encouraging countries around the world, primarily in the region, to acquire increasingly serious means to counter emerging threats.
Of particular concern is the serial nature of the destabilizing blows to the international legal foundations of the world order carried out by the US Administration over the past months, among which are non-interference in internal affairs, renunciation of the threat or use of force, and peaceful settlement of international disputes.
We demand an immediate return of the situation to the path of political and diplomatic settlement. Russia, as before, is ready to assist in the search for peaceful solutions based on international law, mutual respect, and a balance of interests.
Iran has already launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes (the operation is named "Truthful Promise 4" according to the IRGC):
- Against Israeli territory (sirens in the northern part of the country, interceptions, at least 1 injured).
- Against American military bases and facilities in the region: Bahrain (headquarters of the U.S. 5th Fleet), Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan. In these countries, air defense systems have been activated to intercept missiles.
Iranian media and officials state that "there are no more red lines," and the armed forces will "teach the aggressors a lesson." Iran's Foreign Ministry (Abbas Araghchi) described the U.S. and Israeli attack as "completely unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate," accusing Trump of turning "America First" into "Israel First — America Last."
Iranian officials promise a "crushing" response and declare readiness for further escalation.
Tragedy in Minab
One of the most resonant incidents was the strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' primary school in the city of Minab (Hormozgan Province, southern Iran, near the Strait of Hormuz). According to Iranian state media (IRNA, Mehr, Fars, Tasnim) and local authorities:
- Between 40 and 57+ people killed (mostly schoolgirls, possibly some teachers).
- 48–90+ injured (mostly children).
- The casualty count continues to rise as data is clarified.
Iran accuses Israel/the U.S. of deliberately striking a civilian facility in broad daylight when the school was full of children, calling it a war crime. Photos of the destruction and crowds of parents have been published. Israel and the U.S. have not commented directly on this specific strike, but overall they assert that the targets are military (there is an IRGC base in Minab, which may explain the target selection from their perspective).
Demonstrations in Tehran
Pro-government rallies and demonstrations are taking place in Tehran (and likely other cities). They condemn the "aggression of the U.S. and Israel," support the leadership, and call for a harsh response. This is the expected reaction from the regime under conditions of external attack.
Overall assessment at the moment
The conflict has entered a phase of active mutual strikes, with a risk of further escalation (especially if civilians are harmed in Israel or at U.S. bases).
Airspace in the region is partially closed, airlines are canceling flights.
European countries (Germany, France, Britain) have condemned the Iranian strikes on neighboring states but have not directly commented on the U.S./Israel attack.
Norwegian authorities state that the strikes by the US and Israel on Iran are not in accordance with international law.
Russia and China have requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting on the situation surrounding Iran, according to Russia's Permanent Mission to the UN.
The mission stated that France, Bahrain, and Colombia have also joined in calling for the emergency session.
Zelenskyy supported the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.
According to Zelenskyy, they are giving the Iranian people a chance to “overthrow the ruling regime”.
The situation is developing very rapidly — data changes by the hour.
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