Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Russia on Monday called on the United States to abandon what it described as plans to strike Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, warning against further military escalation and offering to help revive diplomatic efforts surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program.
Speaking in Geneva at a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky urged Washington and its allies to refrain from military action.
“We call on the United States and its allies to abandon their plans to strike Iranian peaceful nuclear facilities,” Lyubinsky said, according to remarks released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. He added that Moscow strongly urges Washington to provide firm guarantees that no further military confrontation will take place.
Lyubinsky stated that Russia stands ready to provide “all necessary assistance” to resume the search for diplomatic solutions regarding what he described as Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
Escalating Military Posture
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and an apparent buildup of U.S. military assets in the region. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump said that a “massive fleet” was heading toward Iran, expressing hope that Tehran would agree to negotiate what he characterized as a “fair and equitable” agreement that would include the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.
The United States has reportedly reinforced its naval and air presence, deploying the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near the Gulf and dispatching a second carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, toward the Mediterranean. Additional fighter squadrons and long-range bombers have been placed on alert, amid speculation that potential strikes could target Iranian nuclear sites, facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and ballistic missile platforms.
Iran Reaffirms Nuclear Stance
Meanwhile, Iran has maintained a firm position on its nuclear activities. On February 8, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Tehran insists on its right to enrich uranium, even if doing so risks confrontation.
Iran has long argued that its nuclear program is intended for civilian energy purposes, while the United States and several Western allies have expressed concern that enrichment activities could pave the way for weapons development.
Diplomatic Crossroads
Russia’s intervention underscores the fragile state of diplomacy surrounding Iran’s nuclear file. Moscow has historically played a mediating role in negotiations, including during talks that led to the 2015 nuclear agreement, and continues to advocate for multilateral dialogue within the framework of international law and the UN Charter.
With military deployments intensifying and rhetoric hardening on multiple sides, analysts warn that miscalculation could trigger broader instability in an already volatile region. Whether renewed diplomacy can defuse the current standoff remains uncertain, as both Washington and Tehran signal willingness to defend their respective red lines.
