Russia backs Iran, slams West' ‘blackmail’ amid nuclear tensions with Israel, US

Russia reiterated strong backing for Iran as nuclear tensions with the United States and Israel intensified, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accusing the West of pressure and political blackmail. Lavrov said Iran has shown restraint and readiness for dialogue despite provocations, while warning that Israeli threats to use force are a serious concern. The remarks come as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed Tehran is in a “full-fledged war” with the U.S., Israel, and Europe. The warning coincides with renewed regional anxiety ahead of a Netanyahu-Trump meeting, months after Israeli and U.S. strikes triggered a brief but intense Iran-Israel conflict and stalled nuclear talks.