Moscow / Tehran – Russia has issued a sharp condemnation of US-Israeli missile attacks on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, expressing condolences over the death of one Iranian security employee and warning that the strikes have pushed the situation around the facility to a “dangerous threshold.” The statement, released by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday, highlights growing international alarm over the targeting of safeguarded nuclear infrastructure amid the escalating Middle East conflict.
In a strongly worded statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow is actively briefing the international community and global public on the severity of the developments at Bushehr. She cited remarks by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, who expressed deep concern over the attack and reiterated that critical nuclear infrastructure must never be targeted during military operations.
Zakharova stressed that Grossi’s comments were clearly directed at those conducting the strikes. “It is clear that his remarks are addressed to those carrying out the attacks, who continue, without hesitation and even with a certain reckless zeal, to strike Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure, which falls under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and Iran’s comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA,” the statement read.
Moscow described the actions as “unlawful and reckless,” declaring them an “indelible stain” on the international reputation of the United States and Israel. The ministry accused the attackers of completely undermining their previous credibility in the field of nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear safety, and physical protection. “In effect, they have completely undermined their previous standing in the field of nuclear nonproliferation, as well as nuclear and physical security, demonstrating that they no longer recognize any norms or constraints,” Zakharova said.
Russia further called for an immediate halt to all strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including Bushehr. The ministry added that the damage inflicted on the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime would be subject to “objective and thorough assessment” at the treaty’s review conference scheduled for April 27. “The worst can still be avoided, but to achieve this, strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, including the Bushehr plant, must be stopped immediately,” the statement concluded.
Saturday’s attacks not only hit the Bushehr nuclear plant but also struck several petrochemical hubs in the region, including the Mahshahr and Bandar Imam special petrochemical zones. One security personnel at Bushehr was killed, and an auxiliary building sustained damage from blasts and shrapnel, according to Iranian reports. The incident has triggered fresh fears of potential radiation risks and environmental catastrophe in the Persian Gulf.
Russia maintains deep technical involvement at Bushehr, having helped construct and operate the facility. Earlier on Saturday, Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev announced the emergency evacuation of 198 Russian specialists from the site, citing an “undesirable scenario” unfolding due to the regional escalation. The plant, Iran’s only operational nuclear power station, has been a cornerstone of Russo-Iranian nuclear cooperation for decades.
The strikes come against the backdrop of the US-Israeli joint offensive launched on February 28, 2026, which has so far killed more than 1,340 people in Iran, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with repeated drone and missile barrages targeting Israel and US-linked military assets in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries, causing further casualties and infrastructure damage. The conflict has pushed the entire Persian Gulf region into a state of high alert, disrupting global energy markets and shipping through the nearby Strait of Hormuz.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation at Risk
Russia’s strong reaction underscores its long-standing position as a defender of the international nuclear order. As a nuclear weapons state and depositary of the NPT, Moscow has warned that repeated attacks on IAEA-safeguarded facilities could erode the entire global non-proliferation framework. Analysts note that if powerful nations openly target such sites with impunity, other countries may question the value of adhering to safeguards agreements or even consider pursuing their own nuclear programs outside international oversight.
The Bushehr plant, which produces about 1,000 megawatts of electricity for Iran’s national grid, is subject to continuous IAEA monitoring. Any damage that compromises reactor safety systems could have far-reaching consequences, including potential leaks into the Persian Gulf waters that support fishing communities and desalination plants across multiple countries.
Zakharova’s statement reflects Russia’s broader diplomatic strategy of positioning itself as a voice of restraint and responsibility in the conflict. While maintaining close ties with Iran, Moscow has repeatedly called for de-escalation and a return to dialogue. The upcoming NPT review conference in late April is now expected to become a major battleground for discussions on the protection of peaceful nuclear energy facilities during armed conflicts.
Geopolitical and Energy Implications
The attacks near Bushehr have compounded existing energy market volatility. Global oil prices remain elevated due to threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and the targeting of petrochemical zones adds further pressure on global supply chains for chemicals and refined products. India, which recently resumed Iranian oil imports, and other Asian buyers are closely monitoring the situation for any further disruptions.
For Iran, the strikes represent not only material damage but also a direct challenge to its sovereignty and right to peaceful nuclear energy under the NPT. Iranian officials have vowed to continue operating the plant and defend its nuclear infrastructure, describing the attacks as desperate acts by adversaries seeking to set back the country’s technological progress.
The humanitarian toll of the wider conflict continues to mount. Thousands have been displaced, and civilian infrastructure across Iran has suffered significant damage. International humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the long-term consequences for regional stability and public health, particularly if nuclear safety is further compromised.
Russia’s condemnation adds to a growing chorus of international voices questioning the legality and strategic wisdom of striking nuclear-related targets. China and several other nations have also urged restraint, warning that escalation could spiral into a broader regional war with unpredictable global consequences.
As the April 27 NPT review conference approaches, diplomats expect intense negotiations on strengthening protections for nuclear facilities. Russia has indicated it will push for clear language condemning attacks on safeguarded sites and reinforcing the principle that peaceful nuclear programs must remain off-limits in military conflicts.
The situation at Bushehr remains fluid. While Russian personnel are being evacuated, a core team is expected to stay behind to ensure essential safety functions. Iranian authorities have not reported any radiation leaks so far, but the risk remains a major concern for neighboring countries and the international community.
This latest incident illustrates how the US-Iran-Israel confrontation has moved beyond traditional military targets into the realm of critical energy and nuclear infrastructure. With both sides showing little sign of backing down, the coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether the conflict can be contained before it causes irreversible damage to global nuclear norms and regional security.
Russia’s firm diplomatic stance reflects its strategic interests in preserving stability around key partners and protecting the international legal order it has long championed. As the world watches developments in southern Iran, the hope remains that urgent calls for de-escalation will be heeded before the situation crosses a point of no return.
