Russia Denounces Assassination of Iranian Scientist as 'Provocative Terrorist Act'

In a statement on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the incident as a "provocative terrorist act aimed at destabilizing the situation and fueling a potential conflict in the region".

"The stability and security of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region is a constant priority of the Russian Federation. Our efforts and initiatives within the United Nations, on other international platforms, and in bilateral relations with the states of the region are aimed at its implementation," it said.

It also called on "all the sides" to refrain from steps that can lead to further escalation.

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who headed the Iranian Defense Ministry’s Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), was targeted on Friday in a multi-pronged terror attack involving at least one explosion and small fire by a number of assailants in Absard city of Damavand County, Tehran Province.

Iranian government officials and military commanders have hinted that the Israeli regime could have been behind the terror attack, vowing harsh revenge against all the criminals involved.

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