Kremlin Voices Sharp Concern Over U.S. Strikes on Iran, Warns Escalation Risks World War III

Russia has sharply criticized the escalating conflict between Israel, Iran, and the United States, warning of grave global consequences if tensions continue unchecked. Reacting to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to launch strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said on Sunday that Trump, who once campaigned as a “peacemaker president,” has instead “started a new war for the U.S.”

Writing on his Telegram channel, Medvedev remarked that with such moves, "Trump won't win the Nobel Peace Prize," echoing recent debates about Trump’s frequent self-references to peace efforts across various global conflicts.

Image Source: MedvedevRussiaE on X

In parallel, Medvedev, on his VKontakte page, called for both Israel and Iran to abandon their nuclear ambitions entirely, urging, “Let them both renounce such programs under the supervision of the UN Security Council and the IAEA.”

Russia’s criticism was amplified by Leonid Slutsky, head of the State Duma international affairs committee, who condemned the strikes as lacking any legitimate military justification. “The consequences of the escalation threaten to go beyond the region… All this brings the spiral of confrontation to a new level and increases the risks of World War III,” Slutsky wrote on Telegram.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said: “The irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb strikes, no matter what arguments are used, grossly violates international law, the UN Charter, and the resolutions of the UN Security Council, which previously unequivocally qualified such actions as unacceptable."

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had himself underscored that Iran has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, reaffirming Moscow’s willingness to continue supporting Tehran’s civilian nuclear energy program.

Speaking to Sky News Arabia, Putin stressed that certain aspects of Iran’s nuclear activities remain open for negotiation, urging both Iran and Israel to engage in direct talks to resolve the growing crisis.

His remarks came amid the ongoing cycle of retaliatory strikes between Iran and Israel that began on June 13, leaving casualties on both sides as the conflict intensifies.

The growing rift has prompted diplomatic engagement at the highest level. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that he will travel to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the two nations' close coordination amid what Moscow views as reckless U.S. escalation.

Meanwhile, as Israel signals readiness to intensify strikes following fresh Iranian missile launches, the Kremlin has also linked these developments to broader instability, with potential ramifications for U.S. involvement in parallel negotiations concerning Ukraine. Moscow has voiced frustration over Washington’s stalled talks on “irritants” in U.S.-Russia ties, which were paused last week.

The Russian stance signals deepening unease over what it sees as Washington's expanding military footprint and a growing risk of spiraling conflict, with the Middle East again at the epicenter.