‘Pandora’s Box Is Open’: Russia Warns US Over Strikes at Iran Nuclear Sites

Russia has launched a scathing attack on the United States at the United Nations, condemning Washington’s recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and warning that the actions could trigger widespread global instability.

Speaking during an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Sunday, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, accused the US of endangering international security by launching what he termed “reckless and provocative” airstrikes on Iran. The strikes, carried out under the US-led Operation Midnight Hammer, reportedly targeted sensitive nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

“Washington reasserted that to further the interests of its Israeli ally, it's prepared not only to turn a blind eye to the killings of tens of thousands of Palestinian women, children and older persons but also to gamble with the safety and well-being of humanity as a whole. Through their actions, the US has opened a Pandora's box; no one knows what new catastrophes and suffering it will bring,” Nebenzia said during the session, which was convened under the agenda item “Threats to International Peace and Security.”

The Russian envoy reiterated Moscow’s long-standing call for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, stating that Russia had repeatedly offered to mediate a peaceful resolution—offers he claimed were disregarded by Washington.

“We persistently proposed our mediation to help reach a mutually acceptable settlement concerning Iran’s nuclear program,” Nebenzia said. “But it’s become clear that the U.S. has no interest in diplomacy.”

He placed the full burden of accountability for the current crisis on the shoulders of American leadership, warning that continued escalation could plunge the Middle East into a broader conflict with dangerous implications far beyond the region.

“Unless immediate steps are taken to de-escalate, the region could be pushed to the brink of a major war,” Nebenzia cautioned. “And the world must recognize that we are playing with fire—possibly even facing the threat of nuclear catastrophe.”

Calling for restraint, the Russian diplomat urged both the U.S. and Israel to halt their military actions and return to diplomatic channels. “We demand an immediate stop to all aggressive operations by Israel and the United States. All parties must show restraint and recommit to diplomacy,” he asserted.

Nebenzia’s remarks came amid growing concern in the international community over the fallout from Operation Midnight Hammer, which significantly raised tensions in the already volatile Middle East. The strikes were reportedly in response to Iran’s alleged enrichment activities and escalating hostilities involving Israel.

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