Medvedev suggests nuclear weapon production will continue; Moscow denounces U.S. military action
MOSCOW — Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has claimed that several countries are prepared to supply Iran with nuclear warheads following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The warning comes amid heightened global tensions after the United States targeted three major nuclear facilities in Iran.
In a statement posted to X on Sunday, Medvedev — now serving as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council — stated that Iran’s nuclear ambitions would not be deterred by U.S. military action.
“The enrichment of nuclear material — and, now we can say it outright, the future production of nuclear weapons — will continue,” he wrote.
“A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads.”
While Medvedev stopped short of naming those countries, his remarks underscore long-standing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and its alliances. Russia, a longtime supporter of Iran’s nuclear development, has previously offered to mediate between Iran and other nations, including Israel.
Russia’s Continued Role in Nuclear Diplomacy
Moscow pushes for negotiations while blaming the U.S. for escalation
Medvedev’s comments come just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to facilitate peace talks between Iran and Israel, and amid Russia’s broader call for renewed diplomatic efforts. Moscow has also expressed willingness to broker a new nuclear agreement between Tehran and Washington.
Russia played a key role in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a landmark deal that eased sanctions on Iran in return for strict limits on its nuclear program. The deal unraveled in 2018 when then-President Donald Trump withdrew U.S. support, citing concerns over Iran’s compliance.
U.S. Launches Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities
Over 125 aircraft involved in coordinated attacks on key sites
The renewed tensions follow U.S. airstrikes late Saturday targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. According to General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the mission involved more than 125 aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers and supporting military assets.
President Trump had publicly hinted at the possibility of strikes in the days leading up to the operation.
As of Sunday, neither the White House nor the State Department had issued a response to Medvedev’s statements.
Russia Condemns U.S. Strikes as “Violation of International Law”
Foreign Ministry urges end to military escalation
Russia’s Foreign Ministry strongly criticized the U.S. military action, claiming the strikes violated both international law and the United Nations Charter.
“The irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb attacks, whatever the arguments it may be presented with, flagrantly violates international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” the ministry said in a statement Sunday.
Iran Warned of U.S. Involvement Prior to Strikes
Pentagon emphasizes coordination with regional allies
Ahead of the strikes, Iranian officials had warned that the United States would face consequences for involving itself in the regional conflict. Tehran previously launched retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases following the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
In a press briefing on Sunday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth acknowledged the risks involved in the operation and emphasized that Washington is working closely with allies in the region to ensure the safety of shared assets and personnel.
“We certainly understand the challenges of allies in the region,” Hegseth said.
“And we have been respectful and collaborative with them, especially when it comes to base sharing and regional sensitivities.”
“Ultimately, they’ve got a lot of assets and people in those locations also where American troops are co-located. So, that’s a consideration of ours,” he added.
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