Russian President Vladimir Putin will not intervene on behalf of Iran if the U.S. takes military action against the country, according to Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrey Rudenko.
The comments come amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, especially after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently called for a “Libya-style” resolution targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.
In a meeting with Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran would begin Saturday. He warned that failing in diplomacy would place Iran in “great danger” and reiterated that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Despite the growing conflict, Rudenko clarified that Russia, while maintaining close military ties with Iran, has no obligation to defend Tehran if the U.S. takes military action.
Earlier this year, Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a strategic partnership agreement to enhance military and political cooperation between the two nations. However, Rudenko stressed that this agreement does not equate to a military alliance.
“I believe that in the event of a conflict between Iran and the U.S.—which we are trying to avoid at all costs due to the catastrophic consequences it could bring to the region—Russia does not seek to be drawn into another conflict,” Rudenko told the State Duma on Tuesday.
“Nevertheless, we acknowledge that such a scenario is possible, and our government will take all necessary actions. But Russia is not obligated to provide military support,” he added.
Rudenko’s comments come ahead of high-level, indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran, which are set to take place in Oman on Saturday.
