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Russia Will Not Support Actions Leading to War with Iraq - 2003-03-04

Feb 11, 2026 February 11, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Russia's Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov announced that Russia will not support any actions that could lead to war with Iraq and may exercise its veto in the UN Security Council. This statement comes as Britain seeks support for a new resolution that allows military action against Iraq if it does not comply with disarmament demands. The situation is significant as it highlights the divisions within the Security Council regarding military intervention.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Russia's firm stance against military action in Iraq underscores significant geopolitical divisions that could influence the course of the impending war.

👥 Key Players

Igor Ivanov MENTIONED
Russian Foreign Minister
"As a key player in international diplomacy, Ivanov's stance reflects Russia's position on military interventions and its influence within the UN Security Council."
Jack Straw MENTIONED
British Foreign Secretary
"Straw represents the UK in efforts to garner support for military action against Iraq, highlighting the UK's role in the coalition pushing for intervention."
United States MENTIONED
Key proponent of military action
"The US is leading the charge for intervention in Iraq, significantly influencing global military and diplomatic strategies."
Spain MENTIONED
Co-sponsor of the resolution
"Spain's involvement indicates broader European support for the US-led initiative, affecting the dynamics of European politics regarding military intervention."

📰 What Happened

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov announced that Russia would not support actions leading to war with Iraq and may veto a new UN resolution allowing military action. This statement comes amid efforts by Britain to rally support for the resolution aimed at disarming Iraq.

  • Russia is prepared to use its veto power in the UN Security Council regarding military action against Iraq.
  • The resolution in question authorizes the use of force if Iraq does not comply with disarmament demands.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran views the potential for war in Iraq with concern, fearing that a US-led intervention could destabilize the region and embolden its own adversaries.
🌍 Regional: The situation raises tensions in the Middle East, as neighboring countries like Iran may be affected by the fallout of military actions in Iraq.
🌐 International: The divisions within the UN Security Council over Iraq reflect broader geopolitical tensions, particularly between Western powers and Russia, impacting future international relations.

📚 Background

In the early 2000s, the US and its allies were increasingly concerned about Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction, leading to calls for military intervention. Russia, however, sought to prevent escalation through diplomatic means.

Iraq War UN Security Council dynamics
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article presents a diplomatic perspective on the events, focusing on statements from key foreign ministers involved in the discussions.

Igor Ivanov, the Russian Foreign Minister, stated that Russia will not support actions that lead to war with Iraq and may use its veto power in the United Nations Security Council if necessary. Mr. Ivanov said that Russia will not abstain from voting on a new resolution regarding Iraq and is working to create unity and cohesion among Security Council members. The Russian Foreign Minister is in London for discussions about Iraq with his British counterpart, Jack Straw. Britain is trying to persuade Security Council members to support a new draft resolution presented by Britain, the United States, and Spain. This resolution, presented last week, authorizes the use of force against Iraq if Baghdad refuses to destroy its weapons of mass destruction.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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