Updated: June 22, 2025 | 05:51 pm IST
In a development that significantly ratchets up global tensions, Iran has immediately turned to its strategic ally Russia following the unprecedented direct US military strikes on its nuclear facilities. Adding a chilling new dimension to the conflict, a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, has overtly hinted that "a number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads."
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Sunday that he is immediately travelling to Moscow for "serious consultations" with President Vladimir Putin, confirming the deep strategic partnership between Tehran and Moscow.
Key Developments and Implications:
- Medvedev's Nuclear Warning: Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council and former Russian President, issued a series of incendiary posts on X (formerly Twitter). He claimed that the US operation had not only failed militarily but had, in fact, strengthened Iran's political regime. More alarmingly, he stated: "The enrichment of nuclear material — and, now we can say it outright, the future production of nuclear weapons — will continue. A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads."
Medvedev did not specify which countries he was referring to, leaving the international community to grapple with the ominous implication. - Russia's Strong Condemnation: The Russian Foreign Ministry "strongly condemned" the US attacks, calling them an "irresponsible decision" and a "gross violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council."
Russia warned that a "dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security." - Iran's Diplomatic Push: Foreign Minister Araghchi emphasized that Iran and Russia "enjoy a strategic partnership, and we always consult with each other and coordinate our positions."
His meeting with Putin on Monday morning is expected to focus on a coordinated response to the US and Israeli actions and potentially to explore the "nuclear warhead" proposition raised by Medvedev. Araghchi had earlier stated that diplomacy was "not an option right now" due to the ongoing attacks. - US Strikes' "Failure" Claim: Medvedev also asserted that the US strikes had "minimal damage" on Iran's critical nuclear infrastructure, citing reports including those from the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) which indicated no increase in off-site radiation levels at Fordow.
He mocked President Trump, suggesting that such "successes" would prevent him from winning a Nobel Peace Prize. - Escalation of Conflict: This development comes amidst Iran's retaliatory barrage of 27 missiles against Israel, targeting Ben Gurion airport, research facilities, and command centers, causing significant damage and wounding dozens.
Israel, in turn, conducted new strikes on "military targets" in western Iran. - Global Instability: The direct US military involvement, coupled with Russia's pointed remarks about nuclear proliferation, plunges the Middle East and global security into an unprecedented crisis. International bodies, including the UN and the Red Cross, have expressed extreme alarm, warning of "irreversible consequences" and a conflict spiraling "out of control."
The coming hours and days will be critical as the world watches for any concrete steps by Russia regarding its potential nuclear support to Iran, and how this will further reshape the geopolitical landscape.
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