Russian academic: Israel is leading us into World War III

(Patria) - Russian academic Igor Matvejev said that Israel's attacks on Iran on Friday "opened Pandora's box" and that it will face "unprecedented risks".

In comments given to IRNA, Matvejev, who is also an associate professor at the Department of International Business of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, said that the Israeli attacks were a "very dangerous move" and could even be "an introduction to World War III".

Matvejev confirmed Iran's right to self-defense. "Since Iran has become the target of an unprovoked military attack, according to Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran has a legitimate right to self-defense," he said.

"Killing innocent civilians, women and children is a war crime. And it must be judged as such," Matvejev emphasized.

The Israeli regime launched a series of military attacks in and near the Iranian capital Tehran, as well as in other Iranian cities, on the night between Thursday and Friday.

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami, and Commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters Major General Gholamali Rashid were among the high-ranking officers killed in the targeted attacks.

The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are preparing a response, media from that country reported.