Dmitry Medvedev, a staunch ally of Vladimir Putin and former Russian president, has raised alarming concerns about the escalating risk of nuclear conflict in the Middle East due to tensions involving Iran. Medvedev, who now holds a significant security position in Russia, criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump for what he termed a ‘gross’ miscalculation in confronting Iran. He warned that the largest conflict the region has seen might still be looming. With Gulf states potentially seeking nuclear capabilities for protection, the danger of a broader war is mounting. Medvedev stated, “The likelihood of a nuclear conflict there, unfortunately, has increased because of this unprovoked, extremely dangerous war initiated by the United States.”

Blaming Washington and Israel for acting recklessly, Medvedev likened their actions to a “bull in a china shop,” pushing the Middle East toward a potential catastrophe. Serving as Russia’s president from 2008 to 2012, he cautioned that any U.S. ground operations could have devastating outcomes. Medvedev remarked, “The biggest war in the Middle East might still be on the horizon.” He further elaborated, “The region could devolve into a long-lasting source of instability, potentially enduring for centuries.” He advised those with financial interests or involved in oil supply in the Middle East to carefully consider their next moves.

These comments come amid accusations against Russia for allegedly supplying Iran with combat drones and strategic intelligence, which Moscow denies. Medvedev claimed that the actions of the U.S. and Israel could irreparably damage the previously prosperous region. He described this as a consequence of what he sees as a major strategic error by the White House. He warned that “the consequences will be fatal for all involved,” drawing parallels to the U.S. experience in Vietnam. Medvedev cautioned that engaging in such a distant ground operation could lead to a protracted conflict, similar to the decade-long entanglement faced by the U.S. in Vietnam.

The US now faces ‘a very difficult situation here. ‘Especially since Iran has repeatedly said that in this case, its hands will be untied.’ It comes as Donald Trump announced that he will hold off on bombing Iran’s energy infrastructure until at least early April after extending the deadline for the Islamic Republic to negotiate a deal, as he insists talks are ‘going very well.’ The President said he did so at the behest of Iranian leadership. ‘As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time,’ he posted on social media Thursday afternoon.

‘Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well.’ Trump first announced a pause on US strikes targeting Iran’s energy sector on Monday before markets opened. Despite the claims of positive talks, Iran earlier formally rejected Donald Trump’s 15-point peace plan branded ‘one-sided and unfair’ by officials in Tehran. Iranian leaders passed an official response to intermediaries mediating between Iran and US following a proposal put forward by Washington. Dismissing the plan, one source said Trump was feigning diplomacy to control oil prices and ‘buy time’ for a ground invasion. Meanwhile an Iranian military source has said Iran has amassed more than a million soldiers to battle any US incursion after a ‘massive influx’ of young Iranians signing up to fight, according to the Tasnim news agency.