Fact Check: Russia warns US against Iran strike, cites nuclear catastrophe risk

Fact Check: Russia Warns US Against Iran Strike, Cites Nuclear Catastrophe Risk

What We Know

On June 18, 2025, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov issued a warning to the United States regarding potential military involvement against Iran. He stated that such actions could "radically destabilize the entire situation" in the Middle East, particularly in light of ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities (Newsweek, Reuters). Ryabkov's remarks were made during an economic forum in St. Petersburg, where he emphasized the risks associated with U.S. military support for Israel (Turkey Today).

Additionally, Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, described the situation as "millimeters away from catastrophe," highlighting the targeting of civilian nuclear infrastructure by Israeli strikes (AA, Turkey Today). This concern reflects Russia's strategic partnership with Iran and its interest in preventing a wider conflict that could have global repercussions, particularly in terms of energy supplies and regional stability (Newsweek).

Analysis

The claim that Russia has warned the U.S. against striking Iran and cited the risk of a nuclear catastrophe is supported by multiple credible sources. Ryabkov's statements have been reported by major news outlets, including Reuters and Newsweek, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. The context of his warning is critical, as it comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with Russia expressing alarm over the potential for these tensions to spiral into a broader conflict.

Zakharova's comments further substantiate the claim, as she explicitly mentioned the dangers posed by Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities, framing the situation as precarious and in need of urgent diplomatic intervention (AA). The emphasis on civilian infrastructure being targeted rather than military sites adds a layer of urgency to Russia's warnings, indicating a potential humanitarian crisis and a risk of nuclear incidents.

The reliability of these sources is high, given their established reputations in international reporting. However, it is essential to recognize that Russian officials may have their own geopolitical motives in framing the narrative, particularly as they seek to position themselves as mediators in the conflict while maintaining a strategic alliance with Iran.

Conclusion

The claim that Russia has warned the U.S. against military action in Iran, citing the risk of a nuclear catastrophe, is True. The statements from Russian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov and Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova, clearly articulate concerns about the destabilizing effects of U.S. involvement and the potential for catastrophic outcomes due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

Fact Check: Russia warns US against Iran strike, cites nuclear catastrophe risk