Medvedev Hints at Nuclear Support for Iran as Russia Deepens support for Tehran
In a new statement on social media, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev appeared to suggest that foreign countries—possibly including Russia—are prepared to supply Iran with nuclear warheads. The post, which follows U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, has raised concern among analysts who view it as part of a broader Russian effort to project deterrence through escalation threats.
Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, posted the following 10-point message on X:
“What have the Americans accomplished with their nighttime strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran?”
1. Critical infrastructure of the nuclear fuel cycle appears to have been unaffected or sustained only minor damage.
2. The enrichment of nuclear material — and, now we can say it outright, the future production of nuclear weapons — will continue.
3. A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads.
4. Israel is under attack, explosions are rocking the country, and people are panicking.
5. The US is now entangled in a new conflict, with prospects of a ground operation looming on the horizon.
6. Iran’s political regime has survived — and in all likelihood, has come out even stronger.
7. The people are rallying around the country’s spiritual leadership, including those who were previously indifferent or opposed to it.
8. Donald Trump, once hailed as ‘president of peace,’ has now pushed the US into another war.
9. The vast majority of countries around the world oppose the actions of Israel and the United States.
10. At this rate, Trump can forget about the Nobel Peace Prize — not even with how rigged it has become. What a way to kick things off, Mr. President. Congratulations!
The third point—implying that states may provide nuclear weapons to Iran—is especially provocative. While Medvedev did not name specific countries, the timing and context suggest the Kremlin is signaling its willingness to align more aggressively with Iran in response to Western actions.
Five months ago, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year strategic partnership agreement, formally deepening cooperation in energy, security, and military affairs. The pact was widely seen as a response to Moscow’s growing isolation following its invasion of Ukraine and declining influence in the Middle East—especially after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reestablished ties with Western and Arab states just six months ago.
Meanwhile, Russia’s own war effort in Ukraine remains mired in attritional fighting. Despite heavy losses, Moscow has failed to take full control of Donbas, while facing increasing drone and missile strikes inside Russian territory.
Medvedev has become known for issuing maximalist nuclear rhetoric on behalf of the Kremlin, often at moments of perceived vulnerability. His previous threats have targeted NATO capitals, Baltic states, and Ukraine itself. Though rarely followed by action, such statements serve a strategic purpose: to inject hesitation and risk into Western planning, particularly during moments of escalation.
Whether this latest message represents actual policy or another episode in his weekly bluffs, it underscores the Kremlin’s reliance on nuclear threats that’ve been sp effective in paralyzing western response.
