Russia taunts Trump with nuclear threat: Ex-president Dmitry Medvedev says ‘number of countries’ are now queuing up to hand the devastating weapons to Iran

| Published June 22, 2025

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a chilling rebuke to the United States following its strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that former President Donald Trump has “started a new war” with far-reaching consequences. As tensions escalate across the Middle East, Medvedev argued that the attack has only strengthened Iran’s hardline leadership and risks dragging the U.S. into a broader, more dangerous conflict. With global powers split between condemnation and cautious support, the fallout from the operation is sending shockwaves through diplomatic and security circles worldwide.

🔥 Medvedev’s Stark Judgment

Medvedev denounced the strikes as a miscalculated escalation, stating they have united Iranians behind Supreme Leader Khamenei and preserved Iran’s political structure.
He contended that the U.S. risks being pulled into a broader ground conflict, and dismissed Trump’s international posture as anything but peacemaking.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry echoed this concern, arguing that the assaults undermine the Non-Proliferation Treaty and deserve scrutiny at the UN Security Council.

🌍 Global Reactions: A Mixed Chorus

Israel and Ukraine backed Trump’s decision as decisive and necessary to prevent Tehran’s nuclear ambitions .
The EU, UK, UN, UAE, and Japan urged restraint, stressing the importance of diplomacy and warning against escalating tension .
Other governments, including Russia and China, condemned the strikes as unlawful and destabilizing.
The Houthi rebels and allies of Iran denounced the operation and threatened reprisals thetimes.co.uk.

⚖️ Weighing Medvedev’s Warning

Medvedev warned that while Iran’s nuclear sites may have been damaged, the psychological impact of galvanized nationalism may not only counteract any operational gains but also make Iran more determined to expand its nuclear program. The Kremlin stresses that if the U.S. or Israel escalate further—including any potential use of tactical nuclear weapons—it could trigger global instability and even open a path toward world war.

Implications

Strengthening of Iran’s Hardliners
Rather than weakening the regime, the U.S. strike may have rallied Iranian citizens around Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, reinforcing nationalist sentiment and justifying further military buildup.
Deterioration of U.S.–Russia Relations
Medvedev’s accusation that Trump “started a new war” adds fuel to already tense U.S.–Russia dynamics, increasing the likelihood of diplomatic gridlock at the UN and reduced cooperation on arms control.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Setback
The strike could push Iran to accelerate its nuclear ambitions, framing its program as necessary self-defense—potentially undermining decades of non-proliferation efforts.
Risk of Broader Military Conflict
With Iranian allies threatening retaliation and U.S. forces on high alert, the situation risks spiraling into a regional war involving multiple state and non-state actors.
Global Instability & Energy Shock
The ongoing threat to the Strait of Hormuz and wider Middle East instability could trigger spikes in oil prices, shake global markets, and raise inflation across vulnerable economies.

💬 Overall Takeaway:

Dmitry Medvedev’s warning that the U.S. has ignited “a new war” underscores the growing fears that the strike on Iran may trigger more than just regional aftershocks—it could reshape the global balance of power. Far from isolating Tehran, the attack may have emboldened its leadership, fractured diplomatic channels, and raised the risk of open confrontation among global powers. As world leaders navigate the fallout, the true cost of the operation may lie not only in damaged nuclear sites, but in the dangerous new alliances and escalations it provokes.