The nuclear threat in the Middle East is not a hypothetical scenario, but real and with specific dimensions, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, quoted by TASS, BTA reports.
“All this leads not just to escalation, but to a direct threat to the region and the world, because attacks are being carried out against peaceful atomic or nuclear facilities“, Zakharova said in an interview with Sputnik radio.
“The nuclear threat has a practical dimension, not a hypothetical one“, she emphasized.
According to her, Iran has always had the full right to develop peaceful nuclear energy, and its facilities are currently the subject of attacks.
The statement comes amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Israel launched Operation Rising Lion on the night of June 13, targeting Iran's nuclear program. The Islamic Republic responded with a retaliatory strike less than 24 hours later. In the following days, the two sides exchanged new attacks.
Both Iran and Israel reported deaths and injuries, as well as damage to military and infrastructure facilities. Both sides assured that damage was limited, but tensions remain high.