Moscow has warned of mounting civilian casualties and nuclear risks, urging an immediate ceasefire

The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned the "illegal and unprovoked aggression" by the US and Israel against Iran, as well as the resulting international crisis which is continuing to escalate and intensify.

In a statement on Monday, the ministry said the scale and ferocity of the US-Israeli strikes are increasing, with attacks hitting not only military targets but also civilian infrastructure. It noted that nuclear facilities under safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency have been targeted with growing frequency. Particular concern was raised over repeated strikes on the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which Moscow said have caused casualties and heightened the risk of a radiological catastrophe more severe than the Chernobyl disaster.

"The conflict has already killed thousands of civilians, including women and children, and inflicted widespread suffering. Schools, hospitals, and cultural heritage sites have been destroyed, while diplomatic and consular missions have come under attack, in violation of the Vienna Conventions," the statement said.

According to Moscow, the "criminal US-Israeli adventure" has also caused significant disruption to global energy and food security, blocking key logistics routes and destabilizing markets, forcing some countries to introduce fuel rationing, while experts warn of economic slowdown and rising inflation in vulnerable economies.

The ministry called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, describing the situation as rapidly deteriorating and at risk of slipping out of control. It welcomed mediation efforts by Pakistan, Trkiye, and China, and pointed to a recent appeal by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for both sides to halt the fighting. Moscow said a diplomatic resolution remains possible and urged all sides to avoid actions that could plunge the region into wider chaos.