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Russia's Lavrov warns against any new US strike on Iran
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 19, 2026
Tags:currencies
Quick Summary
Lavrov warned that any new US strike on Iran could trigger severe consequences and urged restraint. His remarks follow Geneva talks, as Gulf states signal opposition to further escalation.
Lavrov warns US a new strike on Iran could have grave consequences
Feb 18 (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in an interview made public on Wednesday, said that any new U.S. strike on Iran would have serious consequences and called for restraint to find a solution to enable Iran to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme.
Lavrov's interview with Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya television was aired a day after U.S. and Iranian negotiators held indirect talks in Geneva to head off a new mounting crisis between Washington and Tehran.
"The consequences are not good. There have already been strikes on Iran on nuclear sites under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency. From what we can judge there were real risks of a nuclear incident," Lavrov said in the interview, which was posted on his ministry's website.
"I am carefully watching reactions in the region from Arab countries, Gulf monarchies. No one wants an increase in tension. Everyone understands this is playing with fire."
Boosting tensions, he said, could undo the positive steps of recent years, including improved relations between Iran and nearby countries, notably Saudi Arabia.
A senior U.S. official told Reuters on Wednesday that Iran was expected to submit a written proposal on how to resolve its standoff with the United States after the talks in Geneva.
U.S. national security advisers met in the White House on Wednesday and were told all U.S. military forces deployed to the region should be in place by mid-March, the official said.
The United States wants Iran to give up its nuclear programme, and Iran has adamantly refused and denied it is trying to develop an atomic weapon.
Lavrov said Arab countries were sending signals to Washington "clearly calling for restraint and a search for an agreement that will not infringe on Iran's lawful rights and ... guarantee that Iran has a purely peaceful nuclear enrichment programme".
Russia, he said, remained in close, regular contact with Iran's leaders "and we have no reason to doubt that Iran sincerely wants to resolve this problem on the basis of observing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty".
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
Key Takeaways
- •Lavrov cautions that any new US strike on Iran would carry serious consequences and escalate regional risks.
- •He cites prior strikes on IAEA‑monitored sites, warning of potential nuclear safety dangers.
- •Russia urges restraint and a diplomatic path that preserves Iran’s peaceful nuclear rights.
- •Arab Gulf states are signaling opposition to heightened tensions and prefer de-escalation.
- •The warning follows indirect US–Iran talks in Geneva, with Iran expected to table a written proposal and US forces positioning by mid‑March.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia's Lavrov warns against any new US strike on Iran
1What is the main topic?
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warns that any new US strike on Iran would have serious consequences, urging restraint and a diplomatic solution to ensure Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful.
2Why does this matter to markets?
Rising US–Iran tensions can lift oil and gold while pressuring risk assets. Gulf signals for restraint and ongoing Geneva talks may temper volatility if diplomacy gains traction.
3What diplomatic steps are underway?
The warning follows indirect US–Iran talks in Geneva. Iran is expected to submit a written proposal, while the US is positioning regional forces, aiming to keep pressure as negotiations continue.