Former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, has issued a stark warning that continued U.S. military intervention and regime change efforts in Iran could spark a third world war.
In an interview published Monday by Russian state news agency TASS and widely reported internationally, Medvedev said that while World War III has not yet begun, the direction of U.S. policy under President Donald Trump could inadvertently trigger a global conflict.
“Formally, no,” Medvedev said when asked if a third world war was already underway. “But if Trump continues his insane course of criminal regime change, it will undoubtedly begin. And any event could be the trigger. Any.”
Medvedev accused Washington and its allies of pursuing a broader geopolitical campaign under the guise of targeted military action, particularly in recent strikes associated with U.S. efforts in Iran. He criticised what he described as a strategy “to maintain global dominance,” and argued that certain actions, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader — were dangerously provocative.
“This assassination has put all Americans at risk,” Medvedev said, warning that the death of the Iranian leader had transformed him into a symbolic figure and could deepen regional hostilities. He added that such actions would likely “triple” Iran’s commitment to developing nuclear capabilities.
Medvedev suggested that U.S. military operations have inadvertently helped unify Iranian society, forcing different factions to rally together in the face of external pressure. He noted that while Iran can withstand the loss of top leadership, the social and economic cost of rebuilding would be high.
When asked if Russia itself might one day face similar attacks during diplomatic negotiations, Medvedev pointed to nuclear deterrence as a safeguard, saying there is “only one guarantee” that major nuclear conflict could be avoided: the cost of nuclear war.
His warning comes at a time of heightened global tension, with conflicts involving major powers and flashpoints in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe raising concerns among international security analysts about the risks of broader escalation.