Moscow’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Dmitry Petrov, blasted U.S. speculation about targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader as “opening Pandora’s box,” a threat that could plunge the Middle East into unprecedented chaos. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, he cautioned that any strike would be met with “swift and decisive retaliation” against American assets in the region, remarks highlighted in a detailed Reuters report.
@MFA_Russia “An attack on Iran’s leadership crosses a red line—expect consequences you cannot contain.” via X
Petrov’s comments followed press leaks suggesting U.S. planners had drafted options for eliminating Iran’s de facto head of state, a scenario first outlined in a New York Times investigation. He warned that such an act would not only trigger Iranian reprisals but also risk drawing Russia into a broader conflict, given their strategic partnership and extensive energy and military cooperation.
@KremlinRussia_E “We share intelligence with Iran—attacking their leadership means attacking our interests too.” via X
Analysts point out that Russia has deployed advanced S-300 and S-400 air-defense batteries to Iranian bases, a move interpreted by Pentagon officials in a Defense News dispatch as bolstering Tehran’s ability to intercept U.S. strikes. Petrov underscored this network’s capability, insisting that “no American aircraft will operate freely over Iranian skies.”
Meanwhile, in Washington, National Security Council spokesperson Emily Grant insisted the U.S. has “no plans to target Iran’s leadership,” emphasizing that intelligence options do not equate to policy decisions. Her statement, carried on CNN, sought to reassure allies and de-escalate rhetoric.
@WHNSC “Discussions of contingency options are part of standard planning—no decision has been made.” via X
Regional partners are on edge. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister warned in an Al Jazeera interview that any U.S. strike would destabilize the Gulf and jeopardize global oil supplies. Simultaneously, Israel’s intelligence chief hinted in a Jerusalem Post op-ed that Iran’s response could include attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria.
@AlArabiya_Eng “Gulf stability hinges on restraint—military action risks economic and humanitarian fallout.” via X
European leaders have urged both Washington and Tehran to step back. In Brussels, EU High Representative Josep Borrell called for renewed diplomacy, referencing the IAEA’s last resolution that aimed to rein in Iran’s nuclear program. “Now is not the time for brinkmanship,” he said in a press release.
As tensions rise, military analysts warn of miscalculation. Former CENTCOM commander Gen. Lara Hoffman told Financial Times that “even a narrowly targeted operation could spiral into full-scale war.” Her words echo Petrov’s dire warning: once Pandora’s box is opened, its evils cannot be easily contained.
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