Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow has not seen evidence that Iran was developing nuclear weapons, comments delivered during talks in Moscow with Brunei's foreign minister. The remarks come as U.S. and Israeli forces continue military operations directed at Tehran.
Lavrov framed the absence of proof as significant in light of the rationale cited by U.S. President Donald Trump for the military campaign. On Monday, President Trump offered his most detailed public explanation yet for the action, saying he ordered the strikes to halt Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
In his discussion with the visiting Brunei official, Lavrov characterized the alleged Iranian weapons programs as the central - and possibly the sole - justification presented for the conflict. He emphasized that Russia has not observed supporting evidence for that claim.
Lavrov also warned that the campaign against Iran is producing effects across the wider region. He said Arab countries are facing economic burdens and incurring casualties as a result of the military operations.
Reiterating Moscow's stance, the foreign minister called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties. He said that as an unconditional first measure, every practicable step must be taken to prevent actions that cause civilian casualties.
The Russian position, as restated by Lavrov, stresses both the lack of observed proof regarding a nuclear weapons program in Iran and the need to focus on steps that limit harm to civilian populations amid ongoing military activity.