Russian security chief warns of new flare-up between Iran, Israel

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has warned of the risk of a new escalation between Iran and Israel, emphasising that there is no military solution to their disputes, Interfax reports.

“Currently, Iran and Israel are observing a ceasefire and truce. Nevertheless, this situation could change at any moment with a new flare-up of tensions,” Shoigu said ahead of his visit to Iraq, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“We are interested in preventing a new escalation in the region. We are convinced that there is no military solution to the Iranian-Israeli contradictions,” he added.

Shoigu also noted that Moscow and Baghdad share very similar positions regarding the Iran-Israel conflict.

“For Russia, it is important to seek a resolution to the conflict together with countries in the region,” he said.

The Iran-Israel conflict reached a boiling point in June 2025 with a 12-day war, marking the most direct and intense confrontation between the two nations since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The hostilities began on June 13 when Israel launched a surprise attack, codenamed "Operation Rising Lion," targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities (including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan), military bases, and leadership figures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes as preemptive measures against Iran's advancing nuclear program, which the IAEA reported in May 2025 could produce up to nine nuclear warheads from its 60% enriched uranium stockpile. The assault killed several high-profile Iranian targets, including nuclear scientists and IRGC commanders, and caused significant damage to Iran's air defences and missile systems.

Iran retaliated swiftly with waves of ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Israeli military sites and cities, killing civilians and prompting U.S. involvement. On June 22, the United States struck three Iranian nuclear sites in a bid to neutralise the threat, escalating the conflict further and drawing in Iranian proxies like the Houthis in Yemen, who fired missiles at Israel. The fighting resulted in over significant casualties on both sides, widespread infrastructure damage in Iran, and a humanitarian crisis, with Iranian authorities detaining 700 suspected spies and executing several on espionage charges during the war. A fragile ceasefire took effect on June 24, brokered by U.S. diplomatic efforts under President Donald Trump.

By Khagan Isayev