### Tensions Escalate: Russia Accuses Trump of Igniting New War with Iran - On June 22, 2025, Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, publicly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump for initiating a new conflict with Iran through military strikes. Medvedev argued that this action would inadvertently strengthen the Iranian regime, particularly consolidating support around Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The remarks reflect Russia's ongoing geopolitical rivalry with the U.S. and its support for Iran amid rising tensions in the Middle East. *This situation underscores the complexities of international relations where military actions can have unintended consequences on domestic politics in targeted nations* [https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/russias-medvedev-says-trump-started-new-war-us-after-attack-iran-2025-06-22]. ### Breakdown of Medvedev's Claims and Context 1. **Accusation of War Initiation**: Medvedev accused Trump of starting a new war with Iran, asserting that the U.S. military strikes were a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3467200-medvedev-claims-trumps-war-with-iran-strengthens-tehrans-regime]. 2. **Strengthening of Iranian Leadership**: The Russian official claimed that the military action would fortify the Iranian regime, as it would rally public support around Khamenei during a time of external aggression [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3467036-medvedev-criticizes-trump-over-iran-conflict]. 3. **Warnings of Regional Chaos**: Medvedev warned that the conflict could lead to broader instability in the Middle East, suggesting that the U.S. actions might backfire and exacerbate tensions in the region [https://dailytimes.com.pk/1320834/russia-slams-trump-for-starting-new-war-on-iran-warns-of-regional-chaos/amp]. 4. **Geopolitical Implications**: The remarks highlight the ongoing geopolitical struggle between the U.S. and Russia, particularly in the context of Middle Eastern politics, where both nations have vested interests [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russias-medvedev-says-trump-started-new-war-for-us-after-attack-on-iran]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Military Strikes**: The U.S. military strikes targeted Iran's principal nuclear facilities, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran relations [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3467036-medvedev-criticizes-trump-over-iran-conflict]. - **Public Sentiment in Iran**: Historical context suggests that external military threats often lead to increased national unity in Iran, particularly around its leadership [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3467200-medvedev-claims-trumps-war-with-iran-strengthens-tehrans-regime]. - **Regional Stability Concerns**: Analysts have noted that military interventions in the Middle East frequently result in unintended consequences, including the rise of extremist groups and further destabilization [https://www.econotimes.com/Russia-Slams-Trumps-Iran-Strikes-Warns-of-Escalating-Middle-East-Conflict-1713937]. ### Conclusion: Implications of Trump's Actions on U.S.-Iran Relations 1. **New Conflict Initiated**: Trump's military strikes on Iran have been labeled as the start of a new war, according to Russian officials, which could have significant ramifications for U.S. foreign policy [https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/russias-medvedev-says-trump-started-new-war-us-after-attack-iran-2025-06-22]. 2. **Strengthening of Iranian Regime**: The strikes are likely to consolidate support for Khamenei, as the Iranian populace may rally against perceived foreign aggression [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3467200-medvedev-claims-trumps-war-with-iran-strengthens-tehrans-regime]. 3. **Potential for Regional Chaos**: Medvedev's warnings highlight the risk of escalating tensions leading to broader instability in the Middle East, which could have global repercussions [https://dailytimes.com.pk/1320834/russia-slams-trump-for-starting-new-war-on-iran-warns-of-regional-chaos/amp]. 4. **Geopolitical Rivalry**: This incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and Russia, particularly in the context of Middle Eastern politics, where both nations are vying for influence [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russias-medvedev-says-trump-started-new-war-for-us-after-attack-on-iran].