Russia’s Dmitry Peskov cautions Washington that any U.S. strike on Iran could ignite the entire Middle East, urging restraint amid intensifying Israel-Iran hostilities.
The Kremlin has strongly warned the United States against launching a military strike on Iran, cautioning that such a move would be a “serious mistake” and could lead to major escalation in the Middle East, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. His statement comes as tensions flare between Israel and Iran, and Washington contemplates direct involvement in the escalating conflict.
Amid fears of a broader regional war, Russia expressed alarm at recent developments following Israel’s large-scale bombing campaign against Iran, citing concerns over Tehran’s alleged push toward a nuclear weapon—an accusation Iran has flatly denied. In retaliation, Iran launched multiple drone and missile strikes, sparking a dangerous tit-for-tat dynamic between the two powers.
Speaking to Russian media outlet RT, Peskov said, “Moscow believes it is a wrong move. This is a step that is bound to lead to further escalation, a major escalation, and would only complicate the situation in the region.” He added that “such conflicts are capable of setting the entire region on fire.”
The Kremlin reiterated that any attempts by the U.S. or Israel to engineer regime change in Iran would be “unacceptable.” Peskov echoed President Vladimir Putin’s longstanding position that regime change, especially through force, violates international norms: “We believe that it is unacceptable to have such conversations, and even more so to take such actions.”
Peskov also confirmed that Putin remains in communication with both Tehran and Tel Aviv and is receiving regular updates. “President Putin has a complete picture of the situation,” he said, noting that while current prospects for diplomatic talks remain slim, Moscow continues to push for a peaceful resolution.
In a press interaction late Wednesday, Putin revealed that Russia has proposed several compromise frameworks to the U.S., Israel, and Iran. These proposals reportedly include mutual security guarantees that protect Israel’s security while allowing Iran peaceful access to nuclear technology under international oversight.
Meanwhile, in Washington, the White House clarified President Donald Trump’s position on the matter. During a Thursday press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read out Trump’s statement, in which he said he would decide “within the next two weeks” whether the U.S. would join Israel in its military campaign against Iran.
Leavitt acknowledged the possibility of diplomatic negotiations, despite ongoing hostilities. “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” the statement from Trump read.
On Iran’s nuclear program, Leavitt reaffirmed the U.S. administration’s hardline stance. “No enrichment of uranium and… Iran is absolutely not able to achieve a nuclear weapon. The President has been very clear about that,” she said, leaving little room for compromise on one of the conflict’s most sensitive issues.
As global actors await Trump’s decision, and with Israel continuing to strike Iranian military sites, Russia’s stern warning adds new pressure on Washington to avoid further escalation in what is fast becoming one of the most volatile international crises in recent years.