Moscow Denounces 'Unprovoked Armed Aggression'
The Russian Federation has issued a strong condemnation of recent joint United States and Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran, describing them as an 'unprovoked act of armed aggression' against a sovereign nation. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Russia's Foreign Ministry released a statement via Telegram, demanding an immediate cessation of the military campaign and a return to diplomatic solutions.
Moscow accused Washington and Tel Aviv of 'hiding behind' concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program, suggesting their true objective was regime change. The ministry warned that these attacks risk triggering a 'humanitarian, economic and possibly radiological catastrophe' in the region, and could 'plunge the Middle East into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation.'
US-Israeli Strikes Target Key Iranian Sites
The joint US and Israeli operation, described as a 'major operation' and a 'wide-ranging bombing campaign,' commenced on Saturday, with reports indicating strikes across multiple Iranian cities and provinces. Targets reportedly included Iranian missile sites, air defense systems, command and control centers for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), intelligence and security headquarters, and ballistic missile launchers. Some reports also suggested that the residences of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were targeted.
According to Iran's Red Crescent, the strikes have resulted in significant casualties, with 201 people killed and 747 injured across 24 of Iran's 31 provinces. Tragically, five students were reportedly killed in a strike on a girls' school in Minab.
US President Donald Trump stated the operation's goal was 'freedom for the people' of Iran, urging civilians to 'seize control of your destiny.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed the attack would continue 'as long as needed.'
Russia Urges Citizens to Leave Iran
In response to the escalating situation, the Russian Embassy in Tehran issued an urgent advisory for its citizens in Iran. The embassy called on Russians 'to remain vigilant, closely monitor official announcements and recommendations from the Embassy and Iranian authorities, and refrain from being near military and government facilities.' It also strongly recommended that Russian citizens and compatriots currently in Iran leave the country if possible.
Recommended evacuation routes include land crossings via Azerbaijan and Armenia. Furthermore, Russia's air transport authority announced the suspension of commercial flights from Russia to both Iran and Israel 'until further notice.'
Iranian Retaliation Underway
Iran has reportedly responded to the US and Israeli strikes by launching its own missiles and drones towards Israel and US military bases in the region, indicating a rapid escalation of the conflict.
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