Pratik AgrawalRussia’s Embassy in Tel Aviv has cautioned its nationals against visiting Israel after Iran and Israel exchanged military strikes on Monday marking the first major flare-up since a US–Iran ceasefire two months ago.
Russia Puts Citizens on Alert Over Israel Travel
Russia’s Embassy in Tel Aviv stepped in fast urging Russian nationals not to travel to Israel. The warning came after Iran and Israel exchanged military strikes on Monday. It was the first serious clash since the United States and Tehran agreed on a ceasefire roughly two months ago.
The embassy issued a formal notice on Monday. It asked Russians already inside Israel to stay cautious and follow all directions from local Israeli authorities. The embassy also confirmed it had received no reports of any Russian nationals being wounded in the Iranian rocket attacks.
Consulate in Haifa Trims Services Amid Tension
Russia’s Consulate in Haifa announced it would cut working hours by one hour for the entire week. It also said it would limit its services to passport issuance, Russian visas, and certificates of return. The embassy’s consular section in Tel Aviv however continued to operate on its normal schedule.
Iran launched a large wave of strikes against Israel on Monday. The attacks were framed as a direct response to ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Israel hit back striking central and western Iran in retaliation. The sudden return of hostilities raised real fears of a wider Middle East conflict spiralling into full-scale war.
Trump Calls for Immediate Halt to Fighting
US President Donald Trump reacted swiftly. He posted on Truth Social demanding that “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.'”
Shortly after Trump’s post, Iran’s military announced it was halting its strikes against Israel. But Tehran issued a firm warning stating that “much more severe and crushing measures” would follow if “acts of aggression and hostility” by the Israel Defense Forces continue, including in southern Lebanon.
Israel also agreed to stand down its attacks against Iran reportedly at the direct request of Trump.
Russia Sides With Iran Condemns US–Israeli Campaign
Russia remains one of Iran’s closest and most important strategic allies. Moscow has repeatedly condemned the US–Israeli military campaign against the Islamic republic as an “unprovoked act of armed aggression.”
Back in April, President Vladimir Putin had welcomed the earlier ceasefire between the United States and Iran. But Putin issued a strong warning at the time saying that any renewed fighting would bring “inevitable and extremely damaging consequences” for the entire region and the broader world.
Akshay Didwaniya
Aditya Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta
