Vladimir Putin’s foreign ministry today condemned the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, warning of a threat of “humanitarian, economic and, possibly, radiological catastrophe”.

Russia demanded an immediate return to a political and diplomatic resolution of the situation surrounding its ally Tehran.

“The scale and nature of the military-political and propaganda preparations preceding this reckless step, including the deployment of a large military group of the USA in the region, leave no doubt that we are talking about a premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent member state of the UN, in violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law,” said a statement from the foreign ministry in Moscow.

“It is also reprehensible that the attacks are again being carried out under the cover of a resumed negotiation process, supposedly aimed at ensuring long-term normalisation of the situation around the Islamic Republic, and contrary to the signals conveyed to the Russian side about the Israelis’ lack of interest in a military confrontation with the Iranians.

“The international community, including the leadership of the UN and the IAEA, is obliged to immediately give an objective and uncompromising assessment of these irresponsible actions, aimed at destroying peace, stability and security in the Middle East.”

The Russians accused Washington and Tel Aviv of embarking “on a dangerous adventure, which is rapidly bringing the region closer to a humanitarian, economic and, possibly, radiological catastrophe.

“The aggressors’ intentions are clear and they are openly declaring them – to destroy the constitutional order and eliminate the leadership of an undesirable state that refused to submit to military dictatorship and hegemony.

“The responsibility for the negative consequences of this man-made crisis, including an unpredictable chain reaction and a spiral of violence, lies entirely with them.”

The Putin government said the US and Israel “are openly ignoring the serious consequences of these ill-considered steps for the global non-proliferation regime”.

They were “hiding behind the alleged concern about Iran not acquiring nuclear weapons.

“Bombing nuclear facilities under IAEA guarantees is unacceptable.

“In fact, Washington and Tel Aviv have motives that have nothing to do with the non-proliferation regime.

“They cannot fail to understand that by plunging the Middle East into a vortex of uncontrollable escalation, they are actually encouraging countries around the world, especially in the region, to acquire increasingly serious means against emerging threats.

“We demand that the situation be immediately returned to the track of political and diplomatic settlement.

“Russia, as before, is ready to assist in the search for peaceful solutions based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests.”