Lavrov warns any U.S. strike on Iran would have “serious consequences”

MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any U.S. military action against Iran would carry severe consequences, calling for patience and a diplomatic solution that allows Iran to maintain a peaceful nuclear program. The remarks, reported by Reuters on Thursday, come a day after indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian negotiators in Geneva aimed at de-escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Lavrov said in an interview: “The consequences would not be good. There have already been attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision, and based on our assessment, there was a real risk of a nuclear incident.” He added that he is closely monitoring reactions from Arab states and Middle Eastern officials, noting: “No one wants tensions to rise. Everyone understands this is playing with fire.” Lavrov cautioned that heightened tensions could reverse progress made in recent years, including efforts to improve relations between Iran and its neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia. The warning comes amid reports from some U.S. media outlets that Washington may consider a potential strike against Iran later this week.