Moscow Denounces Attack Near Russian Orthodox Church in Tehran

(MENAFN) Russia condemned a US-Israeli attack near St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Tehran on Friday.

“We strongly condemn any damage to religious sites,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, describing the strike as a “flagrant violation” of the rights of believers that should be acknowledged by the international community.

Zakharova expressed shock over reports detailing serious damage and significant material losses caused by the April 1 attack.

She noted that the church, administered by the Russian Orthodox Church, is listed on Iran’s national registry of cultural heritage sites.

“Since its construction in 1945, designed by the distinguished Russian architect N. Markov, this religious center has united our diaspora in Iran, serving as a place of strength and spiritual connection to their historical homeland,” Zakharova added.

She explained that the main strike targeted the former US Embassy complex, located just meters from the church, which was seized by Iranian revolutionary youth in 1979.

Regional tensions have risen since a US-Israeli joint offensive against Iran began on February 28, reportedly killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with drone and missile attacks on Israel, as well as on US military assets in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries.

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