With the Middle East already on edge, the stakes just got higher.
Donald Trump says he’ll decide in the next two weeks whether the U.S. will step directly into Israel’s war with Iran—and now, Russia has jumped in with a stern warning: don’t even think about using tactical nukes.
Kremlin Sends a Sharp Message to Washington
According to Russian state media outlet TASS, the Kremlin has warned the U.S. against any use of tactical nuclear weapons in Iran, calling it a potentially “catastrophic” move.
The concern seems centered around reports that Trump hasn’t ruled out using powerful “bunker-buster” bombs on deeply buried Iranian nuclear sites like Fordow.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against speculation but made it clear that the use of such force would lead to dire consequences, adding, “It’s impossible to comment on every rumor, but this would be a catastrophic development.”
Iran Shuts the Door on U.S. Talks for Now
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi made it clear on state TV: Iran is refusing to engage with the U.S. because it sees America as complicit in what it calls Israel’s “crimes.”
However, Araghchi said Iran is open to dialogue with other nations and plans to meet European leaders in Geneva—though missile discussions are off the table.
Meanwhile, the White House is still mulling over direct involvement, with Trump opening a short two-week window for possible diplomacy.
Israeli Strikes Damage Iranian Nuclear Facility
Israel confirmed that it had hit Iran’s Khondab reactor near Arak last Thursday.
While the facility was still under construction and didn’t contain nuclear material, the UN’s atomic watchdog confirmed the damage but stated there was no radiological fallout.
These facilities are sensitive because, once operational, they can produce plutonium as a byproduct—something that could eventually be used in weapons.
Iranian Protesters Hold Back Amid Fear
While some opposition groups outside Iran are pushing for mass protests, activists on the ground aren’t ready.
Many Iranians, already living in fear due to the conflict, say they’re more focused on surviving than revolting.
Activist Atena Daemi, who was imprisoned for six years, said it’s not the time for street protests.
“People are trying to save themselves, their families—even their pets,” she said.
Another protester from the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests added that opposition figures abroad were being unrealistic.
David Lammy Heads to Geneva for Nuclear Talks
In a bid to cool things down, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is meeting with Iranian and European diplomats in Geneva to explore diplomatic options.
He emphasized this two-week period is a “window” to avoid a military escalation.
Lammy reportedly left a White House meeting with the sense that Trump is open to a deal—though that hinges on whether Iran is willing to come to the table.
Israel Hits Tehran Again With Overnight Strikes
On Friday, Israel announced another round of strikes—this time in central Tehran.
According to the Israeli military, dozens of targets were hit, including research centers and missile production facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program.
More than 60 fighter jets participated, and Israeli forces also intercepted multiple drones launched from Iran overnight.
Iranian Missiles Hit Southern Israel
In retaliation, Iran fired missiles that landed near Israeli military facilities in Beersheba.
The strike damaged a Microsoft office in a high-tech zone and reportedly injured at least seven people.
The area also houses Israel’s military telecoms infrastructure and borders Ben Gurion University.
Hezbollah Urged to Stay Out of It
Israel’s Defence Minister warned Hezbollah on Friday to stay on the sidelines.
While the Lebanese group’s leader hinted it might respond to “Israeli-American aggression,” Israel says its patience is running out.
Hezbollah already suffered major losses in late 2024 when Israel invaded Lebanon.
That, along with the fall of Bashar Assad in Syria, has put Iran’s allies on the defensive.
Senior Iranian Official Reported Dead—Then Declares He’s Alive
There was confusion this week over Ali Shamkhani, a close advisor to Ayatollah Khamenei.
He was initially reported dead after an Israeli strike—but has now resurfaced in Iranian media, saying he’s alive and ready to “sacrifice myself” for the nation.
Russia Angles for Diplomatic Role Amid U.S. Hesitation
Russia has positioned itself as a possible mediator, though Trump has so far shown little interest in Moscow’s involvement.
Still, with the U.S. holding off on immediate action and the world watching closely, diplomacy may yet have a small chance to avert further chaos.