Russia says bombing Iran will not work after Trump threats

On Wednesday, Russia expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of military threats against Iran, asserting that bombing the Islamic Republic would not lead to peace. This statement follows renewed threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding military action if Iran does not comply with terms over its nuclear program.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia is aware of the "quite harsh rhetoric" surrounding Iran and mentioned that Tehran is already taking precautions in response. He emphasized the need for dialogue rather than confrontation. Additionally, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, "Indeed, the world is growing tired of the endless threats against Iran. There is a growing understanding that bombing cannot pave the way to peace."

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As Iran approaches weekend negotiations with the U.S. concerning its nuclear program, Iranian officials have conveyed their cautious attitude and skepticism about the talks, highlighting their distrust of U.S. intentions.

Iran's nuclear program, which has its roots in the 1950s with U.S. support, has become a point of contention, especially after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which positioned Iran as a formidable adversary of Washington. The U.S., Israel, and several European countries have accused Iran of covertly striving to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran vehemently denies. In recent years, Iran has fostered closer ties with Russia, the world's foremost nuclear power.

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Russia's partnership with Iran includes a 20-year strategic agreement and arms deals, notably involving weapons utilized in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, their historical relationship has often been fraught, with Iranian officials suggesting that while Russia issues strong statements, it remains cautious about becoming embroiled in a larger Middle Eastern conflict. Importantly, the partnership agreement between Iran and Russia lacks a mutual defense clause.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained a cordial relationship with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, especially as both countries are increasingly viewed as adversaries by the West. Nonetheless, Russia is wary of a potential nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

Zakharova also emphasized Russia's desire for "effective negotiable solutions" that could alleviate Western concerns regarding Iran's uranium enrichment and restore trust, while striving for a balanced approach to avoid a crisis.

The U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—a crucial agreement that limited Iran’s nuclear activities and facilitated inspections—in 2018 during Trump's first term. This withdrawal prompted Iran to abandon the deal's restrictions on uranium enrichment, a critical step toward nuclear weapon development.

Zakharova concluded by stating that "Tehran cannot be held responsible for the consequences of the illegal actions of those who, through their shortsightedness and erroneous forecasting, undermined agreements." This highlights Iran's position that the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA led to the current tensions surrounding its nuclear program.