Russia warns US not to help Israel militarily against Iran

Warning: Attempt to read property "exclude_author" on false in /var/www/wordpress/wp-content/plugins/publishpress-authors/src/modules/author-boxes/author-boxes.php on line 871

MOSCOW: Russia Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned on Wednesday that direct US military assistance to Israel could radically destabilise the situation in the Middle East, where an air war between Iran and Israel has raged for six days.

In separate comments, the head of Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, was quoted as saying that the situation between Iran and Israel was now critical.

Ryabkov warned the US against direct military assistance to Israel or even considering such “speculative options”, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.

“This would be a step that would radically destabilise the entire situation,” it cited him as saying.

Earlier, a source familiar with US internal discussions said President Donald Trump and his team were considering a number of options, including joining Israel in strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.

On Tuesday, Trump openly mused on social media about killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but said, “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”

Israel launched air strikes last Friday against Iran’s nuclear sites, scientists and top military leaders in a surprise attack that Russia condemned as unprovoked and illegal. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in January signed a strategic partnership treaty with Iran, has called for a cessation of hostilities between the two sides.

WILL NEVER SURRENDER

In his response to the US threats on Wednesday, Khamenei said the nation would never surrender as demanded by Trump and warned the United States it would face “irreparable damage” if it intervenes.

“This nation will never surrender to imposition from anyone,” Khamenei said in a speech read on state television. “America should know that any military intervention will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage.”

 “Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language because the Iranian nation will not surrender,” he said.

 “The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.”