Ankara: On Wednesday, Russia issued a stark warning that escalating Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure have brought the world perilously close to disaster, urging immediate diplomatic intervention to avert a broader crisis.

According to Anadolu Agency, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that the attacks are targeting civilian nuclear facilities rather than military ones. She referred to the situation as a 'monstrous game' during her remarks at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, as reported by Russia's state-run Ria Novosti news agency.

Zakharova emphasized that the strikes are aimed at facilities related to the peaceful development of nuclear energy. She warned that this 'monstrous game' could lead to consequences that, while described as unpredictable by many, are completely foreseeable. Despite the escalating tensions, Zakharova underscored the potential for diplomacy, stating that there is always an opportunity for a peaceful resolution.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is taking place from June 18 to 21. During this event, Russia has reinforced its role as a potential mediator between Iran and Israel, consistently advocating for restraint amidst growing fears of a wider regional escalation.