04.03.2026 19:43
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that the actions of the United States and Israel towards Iran violate humanitarian law and are driving the Middle East region into a chaotic abyss, saying, "There is no military solution to the crisis regarding Iran." Regarding Sweden's plans for nuclear weapon deployment, Zakharova said, "This does not contribute to strategic stability in Europe in any way. There will be consequences for Sweden."
Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, evaluated the current issues at her weekly press conference held in the capital Moscow.
"WASHINGTON AND TEL AVIV ARE ACTING IRRESPONSIBLY AND RECKLESSLY"
Referring to the attacks by the US and Israel against Iran, Zakharova stated that the tension is increasing and that this is concerning. Zakharova said, "This situation arose as a result of the US and Israel's unwarranted military aggression against Iran. Washington and Tel Aviv are acting irresponsibly and recklessly, severely violating international and humanitarian law principles, and dragging the region into a chaotic abyss. The international community is obliged to assess this situation objectively."
"HAMANEY WAS 'COWARDLY' KILLED"
Stating that they condemn the attacks against Iran, Zakharova emphasized that Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and some senior military-political officials were "cowardly" killed. Indicating that the US intends to overthrow the legitimate government in Iran, Zakharova shared the view that the aggression against Iran would have serious consequences for the regional and global economy and the countries in the region. Maria Zakharova noted that attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran also pose serious radiological risks.
"THE PARTIES MUST IMMEDIATELY CEASE ATTACKS"
Pointing out that elements in Arab countries are also subjected to attacks, Zakharova continued her remarks: "The parties must immediately cease their attacks. Everything possible must be done to stop the violence. This is leading to an increase in civilian casualties in Iran and all other countries in the region. We advocate for a return to a political diplomatic process, provided that the legitimate security interests of all states in the region are guaranteed, within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Charter and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to resolve the existing issues. There is no military solution to the crisis regarding Iran."
"WE DEMAND SECURITY GUARANTEES"
Spokesperson Zakharova stated that the US's intention to continue its attacks against Iran is concerning. Noting that Russian diplomatic missions in Iran continue to operate, Zakharova said, "We demand security guarantees for our representatives abroad and other civilian elements where our experts are working. Washington and Tel Aviv have been officially informed about the positions of our experts."
"THE US, FRANCE, AND THE UK ARE INCITING A NUCLEAR ARMS RACE"
Evaluating French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to expand the nuclear arsenal and strengthen Europe's nuclear deterrence, Zakharova stated that this is an extremely destabilizing decision. Zakharova said that this decision will be taken into account in Russia's military planning, emphasizing that the US, France, and the UK are inciting a nuclear arms race.
THREAT TO SWEDEN: THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES
Regarding Sweden's plans to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory, Zakharova stated, "This does not contribute to strategic stability in Europe in any way and undermines the international nuclear non-proliferation and control regime. If Stockholm proceeds with these plans, it will inevitably require adjustments in Russia's nuclear deterrence strategy, and this will have consequences for Sweden."
THE UK AND FRANCE'S PLAN TO PROVIDE NUCLEAR BOMBS TO UKRAINE
Recalling that the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) previously stated that the UK and France planned to provide nuclear bombs to Ukraine, Zakharova noted that London and Paris denied this. Zakharova said, "London and Paris reacted to this information through official channels. We do not accept the denial of the accuracy of this information."