Lavrov Warns U.S. Strike on Iran Would Have Serious Consequences

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has cautioned that any new U.S. military attack on Iran could trigger serious consequences and destabilize the wider Middle East.

Lavrov urged restraint from all parties, calling for a solution that allows Iran to continue its peaceful nuclear program while avoiding further escalation. His remarks, reported by Reuters on Thursday, February 19, followed indirect talks in Geneva between U.S. and Iranian negotiators aimed at preventing a deepening crisis between Washington and Tehran.

Lavrov highlighted that previous attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency posed a "real risk" of a nuclear incident. He noted that regional powers, particularly Arab states and Gulf monarchies, are closely monitoring developments and do not want tensions to spiral further.

The Russian minister also warned that escalation could undermine recent diplomatic progress, including improved relations between Iran and neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia.

Lavrov's comments come amid U.S. media reports suggesting Washington could consider military action against Iran as early as this weekend, heightening regional uncertainty.