In the wake of a massive U.S. airstrike campaign on Iran’s nuclear sites, Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev took to social media to deliver a fiery warning — and his message is getting a lot of attention.
Russia Says Iran Is Not Backing Down
Medvedev, now a top official on Russia’s Security Council, claimed on Sunday that the U.S. may have just made things worse by attacking Iran.
According to him, the strikes, which targeted three key nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow, have only strengthened Iran’s resolve to continue enriching uranium — and, he says, even develop nuclear weapons.
In a ten-point statement on X (formerly Twitter), Medvedev taunted the U.S. and said that Iran’s political regime had not only survived the attack but emerged stronger.
He suggested that even Iranians who were previously disinterested in their government are now rallying around it.
Nuclear Help for Iran?
Perhaps most alarmingly, Medvedev claimed that “a number of countries” are now ready to supply Iran with nuclear warheads, a claim that could escalate already tense international relations.
He did not name the countries involved, but the implication was clear: Iran has powerful friends.
This statement — in English — has been viewed over three million times, adding even more fuel to the fire of speculation over Russia’s role in the unfolding drama.
A Pattern of Outbursts
This isn’t Medvedev’s first time lashing out online.
Once seen as a moderate reformer during his presidency from 2008 to 2012, he’s since rebranded himself as one of the most aggressive Kremlin voices since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.
Some analysts believe his over-the-top rhetoric is part of a strategy to maintain favor with Vladimir Putin and hardliners in Moscow.
Others think it’s his way of staying politically relevant in case he attempts a future return to power.
Iran and Russia Grow Closer
There’s also a strategic angle here. Russia and Iran have grown significantly closer in recent years, especially since Russia began relying on Iranian drones and weapons in its war against Ukraine.
The two countries signed a long-term strategic partnership in January, formalizing their growing alliance.
With the latest U.S. military operation, Moscow is trying to position itself as a diplomatic player.
On Saturday, Putin personally called the White House to offer mediation — a move many saw as Russia trying to expand its influence in the Middle East.
Russians Call for Support to Tehran
Within Russia, several high-profile voices have urged the Kremlin to provide Iran with the same kind of support the West has given Ukraine.
That includes advanced weaponry, missile systems, and satellite intelligence.
One Russian oligarch, Konstantin Malofeyev, said it was time for Russia to offer Tehran help — both militarily and diplomatically.
He even suggested Moscow appoint a special envoy to help broker peace between Iran and the U.S.
Meanwhile, jailed Russian nationalist Igor Girkin warned that if Russia and China don’t act fast, the U.S. and Israel could bomb Iran “into the Stone Age” and push the entire region into chaos.
Russia Slams US Actions as Illegal
Russia’s Foreign Ministry didn’t hold back either, accusing Washington of violating international law and the U.N. Charter.
In a strongly worded statement, they called for an immediate stop to the aggression and urged all sides to return to diplomacy.
They framed the U.S. attack on Iran as reckless and dangerous — a line echoed by several other world leaders, including China’s President Xi Jinping.
Trump Defends Strikes, Iran Hits Back
The strikes were part of “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a U.S. mission involving over 125 military aircraft, dozens of Tomahawk missiles, and multiple bunker-busting bombs.
According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the aim was to “severely damage” Iran’s nuclear program and push them toward surrender.
It’s still unclear how much of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure survived, with officials saying it’s too early to confirm whether key facilities like Fordow were completely destroyed.
In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on Israel, reportedly injuring at least 16 people.
The Iranian foreign minister blasted Trump, calling him a “lawless bully” and warning the world has now entered a dangerous new phase.
UK Braces for Escalation
In the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged calm but confirmed that Britain has taken “all necessary measures” to protect its interests in the region.
He spoke ahead of an emergency Cobra meeting to assess the potential fallout from the strikes and Iran’s retaliation.
Trump and Putin to Talk?
Meanwhile, reports suggest Trump and Putin are expected to speak by phone following the strikes.
What that conversation might entail remains to be seen — but it underlines just how serious the situation has become.