‘Unprecedented Spiral Of Violence’: Russia Slams US, Israel Over Iran Strikes, Calls For Ceasefire

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 09:24 IST

The Russian Foreign Ministry described the strikes as “unprovoked” and accused Washington and Tel Aviv of unleashing an “unprecedented spiral of violence” across the region.

Russia has slammed the United States and Israel over their military strikes on Iran, saying that the attacks have triggered a dangerous escalation in the Middle East with far-reaching global consequences.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the strikes as “unprovoked" and accused Washington and Tel Aviv of unleashing an “unprecedented spiral of violence" across the region.

It said that the conflict has already caused heavy casualties, widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, and disruption to key global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.

“The toll of victims of the American-Israeli aggression runs into the hundreds and thousands, with irreparable damage inflicted upon civilian infrastructure. Neighbouring countries are also suffering from retaliatory Iranian strikes, while shipping along the vital global economic route through the Strait of Hormuz has been paralysed," it said.

“The situation is rapidly destabilising the Persian Gulf region and economic repercussions are increasingly being felt beyond the conflict zone", it added.

The statement came a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov defended Iran, saying that Tehran was acting in self-defence in response to a war initiated by Jerusalem and Washington on February 28. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, Lavrov said Tehran’s actions were targeted at military infrastructure linked to the attacks.

Lavrov also suggested that Washington and its allies may have miscalculated the outcome of the conflict. He said that expectations of a swift military victory over Iran were likely misplaced and warned that the longer the fighting continues, the more unpredictable its consequences will become.

The Russian minister further accused Washington of prioritising strategic interests over genuine diplomatic engagement, noting that the escalation came while negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme were still ongoing.

Moscow reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to return to a political and diplomatic process. It also said it remains ready to assist in mediation efforts aimed at achieving a long-term resolution to the conflict.

The remarks came amid escalating tensions across the Gulf as the US-Israel-Iran entered Day 18, with no breakthrough yet in the conflict that erupted on February 28.

Iran has been carrying out attacks on US bases and interests across the Middle East since the conflict with the United States and Israel began on February 28. The war started after US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and caused major damage to key government and military infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies)

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