Russia urges restraint after Trump warns of strike on Iran

Tuesday 30 December 2025 - 15:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Russia urges restraint after Trump warns of strike on Iran

The Kremlin called for dialogue and de-escalation on Tuesday following President Donald Trump's warning to Tehran about rebuilding its nuclear and missile programs. Trump stated that Washington would support another strike against Iran if necessary, highlighting rising tensions over the country's military capabilities six months after devastating U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Trump suggested Iran might be working to restore its weapons programs. He told reporters that Iran was accumulating arms at unspecified sites and affirmed that he would act “immediately” if Israel launched strikes on Iranian ballistic or nuclear programs.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov emphasized the need for restraint, stating that actions that could escalate regional tensions should be avoided. He added that dialogue with Iran remained essential and that Russia would continue to maintain close ties with Tehran.

This call comes as Russia and Iran strengthen their strategic partnership under a 20-year comprehensive treaty signed in January and ratified earlier this year. The agreement, effective since October, commits both nations to cooperate on defense, intelligence sharing, and countering shared security threats.

Trump’s warning references June’s Operation Midnight Hammer, when U.S. forces targeted Iran’s key nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan using B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-busting bombs over a 12-day campaign. While Trump claimed the strikes had “obliterated” the facilities, subsequent U.S. assessments indicated that only Fordow sustained significant damage, setting back Iran’s nuclear program by one to two years.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded on Tuesday, warning that any brutal aggression would receive a severe reaction. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.