Russia has warned of the possibility of a U.S.-Israel ground military operation against Iran as the Pentagon continues to increase its troop presence in the Middle East.
Russian media RIA Novosti and TASS reported on April 14 that the Russian Security Council said the United States and Israel may be using ongoing peace talks as a cover to prepare for military action.
“The U.S. and Israel may use peace talks to prepare for a ground operation against Iran, as the Pentagon continues to build up U.S. troop levels in the region,” the council stated.
It added that if negotiations fail to produce an agreement, hostilities could resume with greater intensity within two weeks.
Russia warns U.S.-Israel may plan a ground operation in Iran
The council emphasized that Iranian authorities remain in control of the domestic situation, with state and military institutions operating in a stable manner.
It noted that Iran retains substantial weapons capabilities, countering expectations of unrest or internal turmoil.
Also Read: U.S. Targets China and Other Foreign Nations in $9 Billion Iran Banking Crackdown
Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in the Iranian Parliament, said that the end of the current ceasefire should not lead to its extension without clear guarantees.
In a post on X, Rezaei stressed that any political track must explicitly recognize Iran’s rights, including sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that failure to acknowledge these rights could lead to a return to war.
Rezaei added that the ceasefire period should not be exploited to reorganize military capabilities. He said respect for Iranian sovereignty was a prerequisite for continued de‑escalation.
Pakistani officials have proposed hosting a second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad in the coming days, according to the Associated Press. The proposal follows earlier meetings in Islamabad that ended without agreement.
President Donald Trump told the New York Post that discussions could resume in Pakistan within two days. “Something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” Trump said, referring to Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Blockade and regional tensions
The warning from Russia comes amid heightened tensions following the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said more than 10,000 airmen, sailors, and Marines are enforcing the blockade, supported by dozens of aircraft and warships.
Also Read: Putin Defies Britain After Sending Warship to Escort Sanctioned Tankers
During the first 24 hours, six merchant vessels were directed to turn around and re‑enter Iranian ports. Officials said five of the ships were carrying oil.
No shots were fired, and no ships boarded. The U.S. military is using surveillance aircraft and sea‑based radar systems to identify ships leaving Iranian ports and communicate with them by radio.
China has criticized the blockade. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called it “dangerous and irresponsible,” warning that it would escalate tensions.
“We urge relevant parties to honor the ceasefire agreement, stick to the direction of peace talks, and take concrete actions to de‑escalate the situation so that normal traffic via the Strait will be able to resume as soon as possible,” Lin said.
The blockade has unsettled global energy markets. Brent crude prices fell 4.5 percent to $94.87 a barrel before recovering slightly. The Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for oil shipments, remains partially blocked.
