russia says US attack on iran would be 'catastrophic'

from afp: Any US military intervention in Iran would be a "political error" that would have "catastrophic" consequences, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov said in an interview published Tuesday.

"Generally speaking, bombings of Iran would be a bad move that would end with catastrophic consequences," he told the daily Vremya Novosti.

Losyukov expressed the hope that there would not be an escalation of tension in the region, at least before the end of a summit of Caspian Sea countries due to be held in Tehran on October 16.

"I don't know if the Americans will bomb during the Caspian summit. I think they will refrain, otherwise they would have serious problems," he said in reply to a question.

"We are convinced that there is no military solution to the Iranian problem. It's impossible. Besides, it is quite clear that there is no military solution to the Iraq problem either. But in the case of Iran everything could be even more complicated," he said.

At the same time, Losyukov did not rule out an eventual evacuation of the Russian experts working on construction of a nuclear plant at Bushehr.

"As the situation in Iran is difficult, we have plans to evacuate our experts. They are drawn up and could be used," the deputy minister said, adding the hope that this would not be necessary.

russia concerned by reports of iran military action
from ria novosti: Russia is concerned by media reports that military action against Iran could take place soon, the acting Russian foreign minister said Tuesday.

"I think we should not forget about the part of the agreement, which proposes developing dialogue with Iran, including settling issues related to its nuclear program, trade and economic affairs and security," Sergei Lavrov told journalists after a meeting with his French counterpart Bernard Kouchner reported to focus on Iran.

"Numerous reports on the possible implementation of military action against Iran are causing concern," he said.

American media recently carried reports saying the Bush administration is preparing to make a preemptive strike on Iran and that aerial bombing of Iranian facilities could start in the spring or summer of 2008...

Amid mounting frustration over Iran's refusal to halt its nuclear program, the French foreign minister provoked anger in the Islamic Republic in a hawkish interview broadcast on French TV and radio on Sunday, saying that if Tehran develops an atom bomb, "we must prepare ourselves for the worst," adding: "the worst means war."