Russia accuses Israel of bringing world closer to nuclear emergency

The world is on the brink of a nuclear catastrophe as a result of Israel’s strikes on Iranian territory, warned Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

Speaking at the 19th General Assembly of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), held by TASS during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Zakharova said the danger posed by the ongoing conflict could have devastating consequences far beyond the region.

“We are literally inches away from a nuclear catastrophe,” she said. “The strikes are being conducted — yes, they are referred to as pinpoint or selective — but they are taking place in immediate proximity to facilities housing radioactive and nuclear materials. Whether it's centimetres, metres, or decimetres, the risk is enormous.”

Zakharova continued, “Today, strikes are targeting sites where nuclear material is stored. If this doesn’t qualify as a real nuclear threat, then what does? Radiation doesn’t ask for permission to cross borders — it spreads indiscriminately. This would be a disaster not just for the region but for the entire world.”

SPIEF, taking place from June 18 to 21 under the theme “Common Values as the Basis for Growth in a Multipolar World,” is organised by the Roscongress Foundation, with TASS as the official information partner.

Zakharova’s comments come amid rapidly intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran, whose long-running proxy conflict entered a direct and dangerous new phase in recent days. Tensions escalated sharply after the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which Tehran is widely accused of supporting.

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a major operation against Iranian nuclear facilities, severely damaging key infrastructure and killing several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists.

Iran, which insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and denies pursuing nuclear weapons, responded with missile attacks on Israeli territory.

According to the Washington-based Human Rights Activists group, Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 639 people, including 263 civilians. Meanwhile, data released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office reports 24 Israelis killed and over 800 injured in Iranian counterstrikes.

By Tamilla Hasanova