Russia Condemns Strikes on Iran’s Natanz Nuclear Facility | Middle East Risk

Russia condemned Saturday’s reported strikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, warning that the attack carries the risk of “catastrophe” in the Middle East. The condemnation came as Iranian state media reported the facility was targeted in an airstrike, though details remained limited.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova characterized the attack as “a blatant violation of international law,” and called for an “objective and hardline assessment” from the international community, according to a statement reported by multiple news outlets. She asserted the strikes posed “a real risk of a catastrophe across the Middle East.”

The Natanz facility, used for uranium enrichment, was reportedly struck by a US-Israeli air raid, with Iranian state media indicating no leakage of radioactive materials or danger to nearby residents, according to Al Jazeera. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed it had been informed by Iran of the attack and stated it had not detected any increase in radiation levels outside the site.

Israel has denied responsibility for the strike. The U.S. Military did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to the Fresh York Times.

This represents not the first time the Natanz facility has been targeted. Both the U.S. And Israel previously struck the site in June 2025, as well as during earlier phases of the current conflict, which began on February 28th with a broader campaign targeting Iran’s leadership, missile arsenal, and nuclear program. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed earlier this week that Iran no longer possesses the capability to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles, though he did not offer supporting evidence.

The strikes occurred as Israel indicated it would significantly increase attacks against Iran in the coming week, according to reports. Simultaneously, two Iranian ballistic missiles were reportedly fired at the joint US-UK military base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The U.S. Treasury Department as well announced the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil already at sea, a move intended to stabilize surging oil prices.

Russia’s condemnation follows a pattern of criticism regarding actions taken by the U.S. And Israel in the ongoing conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry has consistently voiced concerns over escalating tensions in the region, and the potential for wider instability.