Monday, 25 May 2026
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the region is plunging into an abyss of instability and war. (REUTERS)
Russia warns of deepening instability in Middle East
ST PETERSBURG – The Kremlin cautioned on Friday that the Middle East is descending into “an abyss of instability and war,” voicing deep concern over recent developments while reiterating Moscow’s willingness to mediate.
Russia, which maintains strong relations with Iran alongside close connections to Israel, has urged the United States against striking Iran and continues to advocate for a diplomatic resolution to the escalating tensions surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program, according to Reuters.
Questioned about possible Russian “red lines” regarding the situation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it is ultimately up to the countries in the region to set their own boundaries.
“The region is plunging into an abyss of instability and war,” Peskov stated.
“This conflict threatens to spill across borders and carry unpredictable consequences. The area is situated near our frontiers, which makes these events particularly dangerous for us, and we are watching with concern.”
Although Russia does not directly border the Middle East, its southern North Caucasus region neighbors several former Soviet states that themselves border Iran and Turkey.
Peskov noted that, for now, Moscow observes that Israel intends to continue its military operations against Iran, but he confirmed that Russia maintains open communication channels with Israel, the United States, and Iran.
He added that while it remains uncertain whether President Putin’s offer to mediate will be accepted, Russia stands firmly in favor of ending the hostilities and pivoting to diplomatic engagement as soon as possible.
Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia’s nuclear energy agency, assured that conditions at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power station—where hundreds of Russian experts are stationed—remain “normal” and under control.
The Israeli military initially stated on Thursday that it had targeted the Russian-built Bushehr facility, but later clarified that this remark was made in error. Likhachev, who leads Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, warned on Thursday that any attack on the site could result in a disaster comparable to Chernobyl.
Speaking to reporters in St Petersburg on Friday, Likhachev said, “We deeply hope that all of our warnings yesterday have been received by Israel’s leadership.”
He confirmed that Russia currently has just over 300 staff stationed at Bushehr, with a total Russian presence of around 500 people, including their families.