Following the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear installations, the country is strengthening its strategic shift towards Russia. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disclosed plans for an important delegation to travel to Moscow, while prominent officials from the Kremlin suggested potential nuclear assistance to Tehran.
Araghchi announced at a press briefing in Istanbul on Sunday that he was traveling to Moscow later that day,” and mentioned he planned to engage in "substantial discussions with President Putin" on Monday. This statement was made shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American B-2 stealth bombers had targeted Iranian facilities including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites.
By referring to Moscow as a "strategic partner," Araghchi mentioned that Iran and Russia "continuously engage in consultations and align their stances." This trip comes after a conversation between Araghchi and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, where they denounced Israeli aggression and assured ongoing diplomatic backing from Moscow.
In the meantime, ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev responded forcefully, stating through multiple tweets that the attacks were unsuccessful both militarily and politically and warned they might lead to previously unimaginable nuclear repercussions.
Medvedev asserted, "Several nations are prepared to provide Iran with nuclear warheads from their stockpiles."
Although he did not specify which nations, his remarks represented a notable intensification of verbal aggression and suggested possible shifts in strategy. Medvedev contended that these attacks have not only been ineffective in thwarting Iran’s nuclear program but could potentially expedite Tehran’s quest for nuclear weapons.
The enhancement of nuclear materials, and, as we can openly state now, the impending development of nuclear arms, will proceed," he stated, further noting that the American mission had mostly preserved the "key facilities of the nuclear fuel process.
He similarly ridiculed President Trump, stating, "Once celebrated as the 'president of peace,' Donald Trump has led the U.S. into yet another conflict... Given this trajectory, Trump might as well say goodbye to the Nobel Peace Prize—not that it holds much credibility anymore."
Medvedev depicted a grim scenario: explosions occurring in Israel, increasing anxiety amongst the populace, and what he referred to as an impending land war for the U.S.
He cautioned that the US is now embroiled in a fresh conflict, with the possibility of a land operation becoming increasingly likely.
A Russian government representative mentioned that these attacks have strengthened the support for Iran’s leaders among their citizens. They also cautioned that the United States has become entangled in another conflict, with potential implications of an upcoming land invasion becoming increasingly likely.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that they were ready to keep working towards resolving matters related to Iran’s nuclear program. They also denounced what they referred to as "destabilizing actions" carried out by the United States and Israel.
On his end, Trump asserted that the operation was successful and declared that the targets had been "entirely wiped out." However, according to satellite images and reports from Iranian sources, only some of the facilities sustained minor damage as they were extensively underground structures.