Russia Condemns US-Israeli Strikes on Iran: Violates International Law

Russia’s envoy to the UN has strongly condemned military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, deeming them unprovoked and in violation of international law principles.

“The actions of Washington and Western Jerusalem are nothing less than unprovoked armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state, which violates the organisation’s charter and fundamental principles of international law,” said Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s UN envoy, during an emergency session of the UN Security Council, according to Anadolu Agency on Sunday (1 March 2026).

He emphasised that the strikes “interfere in Iran’s internal affairs and are aimed at destroying a nation disliked by the West,” and characterised US and Israeli actions as reckless.

“The irresponsible and reckless actions of the US and Israel, as we warned previously, have caused a sharp escalation of the situation throughout the region,” he stated.

“Furthermore, the military operations by the US and Israel constitute a betrayal of diplomacy,” he added.

The emergency session was requested by the permanent missions of France, Bahrain, China, Russia, and Colombia.

Nebenzia noted that Russia and China had requested the UN envoy from Britain, which currently holds the Security Council presidency, to convene the session under the agenda item “Threats to international peace and security.”

“The UK presidency’s attempt to artificially downplay the severity of the current situation is entirely unacceptable,” he said.

The Russian diplomat further criticised the UK presidency for “openly” disregarding Russia and China’s request to invite Jeffrey David Sachs, director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, to brief the council.