In 2025, a major escalation in the Middle East has seen President Donald Trump intensify military threats against Iran, culminating in actual strikes that triggered calls for restraint from Russia and other global powers.
Trump’s Threats and Military Action
- Ultimatums and Escalation: Following a 60-day ultimatum that expired in mid-2025, President Trump threatened Iran with “unconditional surrender,” warning that he knew the location of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and that Tehran must “make a deal before there’s nothing left”.
- “Operation Midnight Hammer”: On June 22, 2025, the U.S. conducted precision airstrikes—dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer”—targeting three major Iranian nuclear enrichment sites. Trump stated the strikes “totally obliterated” these facilities to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
- Renewed Threats: By late December 2025, Trump warned he would bomb Iran again if it attempted to restart its nuclear program, citing the previous strikes as “perfectly executed”.
Russia’s Response
- Calls for Restraint: The Kremlin and Russia’s Foreign Ministry have repeatedly urged “restraint” and “de-escalation”. Moscow characterized the U.S. strikes as “irresponsible” and a “gross violation of international law”.
- Warning of Nuclear Proliferation: Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, warned that several countries might be prepared to supply Tehran with nuclear weapons if the conflict escalates further.
- Strategic Ties: Despite the calls for restraint, Russia has continued to cultivate closer ties with Tehran, providing diplomatic support at the United Nations.
Global Reaction
- United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as a “dangerous escalation” and warned the region is “on the edge”.
- International Condemnation: China, Iraq, and several Middle Eastern nations condemned the strikes, while European leaders like EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged all sides to return to the negotiating table.
Iran’s Vow: Iranian officials have stated that the U.S. crossed a “very big red line” and warned of “everlasting consequences” and “impossible to cover up” retaliation.
