Russia has condemned US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities but said they will not affect Moscow's dialogue with Washington.
"This is an absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran. It has no basis or justification," state news agency Tass quoted President Vladimir Putin as saying during a meeting in Moscow with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi.
Earlier today, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also criticised the strikes and expressed "deep regret" over the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
"There has been an increase in the number of participants in this conflict, a new round of escalation of tensions in the region. And of course, we condemn this and express deep regret in this regard," Peskov said, according to Tass.
Despite the tensions, Peskov said the US strikes would not affect Russia's bilateral dialogue with Washington, describing the two processes as "independent".
He also raised concerns about potential radiation risks from the attacks. "We need to find out what happened to these nuclear facilities and whether there is a radiation hazard," he said, while noting that the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, had reported no signs of contamination so far.
Peskov said Russia is ready to support Iran, depending on Tehran's needs. "We have offered our mediation efforts. This is specific," he said. "Everything depends on what Iran needs."
