Russia on Thursday called on Israel to immediately halt airstrikes near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility, where Russian specialists are stationed, warning of dire consequences if hostilities escalate further.

Bushehr’s Strategic Sensitivity

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued the warning after Israeli attacks targeted areas near the Bushehr nuclear power plant—Iran’s only operational reactor. The facility uses Russian-supplied fuel, which is returned to Russia after use to prevent proliferation, making Russian personnel and infrastructure central to its operation.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the presence of Russian experts at Bushehr made any strike there particularly dangerous, calling for “immediate cessation of such reckless actions.”

Kremlin Reiterates Warning to Washington

Zakharova also addressed the United States, repeating Moscow’s long-standing opposition to U.S. military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. “Any U.S. military action would have unpredictable and negative consequences,” she warned, amplifying Russia’s call for de-escalation.

Diplomatic Signals Amid Rising Danger

The statement comes amid a sharp rise in hostilities following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure in Natanz, Arak, and now near Bushehr. While Israel claims to target only facilities linked to nuclear weapons development, Russia sees the risk of destabilizing sensitive civilian energy sites.

Bushehr has operated under IAEA safeguards and was deliberately structured with Russian fuel return protocols to prevent proliferation. Russia’s strong response reflects both its stake in the project and its broader geopolitical alignment with Iran amid rising tensions with Western powers.