- Russia warns the US against seeking regime change in Iran
- It comes as the US threatens to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader
- Kremlin spokesperson said such action would open a “Pandora’s box” of geopolitical consequences
Russia warns the US against seeking regime change in Iran
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov publicly cautioned Washington and Tel Aviv against promoting or executing regime change in Iran, particularly highlighting threats against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei as “unimaginable” and “unacceptable.” He warned such action could escalate extremism, destabilise the region, and open a “Pandora’s box” of geopolitical consequences. Peskov’s statement follows Trump’s heightened rhetoric, including claims of US “control” of Iranian airspace and knowledge of Khamenei’s whereabouts, though Trump has not yet authorised direct military action against him. Moscow, a longstanding ally of Tehran and growing strategic partner via recent treaties, views Iran’s survival as essential to its own influence in the Middle East.
IN FULL: Russia warns the US that regime change in Iran ‘unacceptable’
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Kremlin/Dmitry Peskov): “Efforts to force regime change in Iran are unacceptable, this is a path to chaos.”
- Opposition (US-based foreign policy critic): “Russia is hedging its bets, warning against US action while managing its own regional influence.”
- Viral/Public (analyst): “Peskov’s warning echoes Moscow’s strategic justification, protecting Iran to safeguard its own Middle East foothold.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/WSJ Live present factual coverage of Peskov’s remarks, contextualising them alongside Trump’s rhetoric and the Russia–Iran alliance (wsj.com)
- The Guardian emphasises the geopolitical signal, seeing Russia step in as a counterbalance during rising US–Iran tensions.
- Time Magazine outlines Iran’s historic resilience, noting that regime-change campaigns have repeatedly backfired, making such moves unlikely and potentially dangerous (time.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative.