Medvedev: Attack on Syria or Iran Could Spark Nuclear War

Warns Against 'Hasty Military Operations'

Speaking today at a press conference, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev hinted at a stronger Russian opposition to war against Syria or Iran, key issues on the eve of an upcoming G8 summit.

At some point such actions which undermine state sovereignty may lead to a full-scale regional war, even, although I do not want to frighten anyone, with the use of nuclear weapons,” Medvedev warned. “Everyone should bear this in mind.”

He went on to warn against “hasty military operations,” but provided no further detail on how the wars would “go nuclear” since neither Syria nor Iran has any nuclear weapons of their own. This leaves open the possibility that Russia could be drawn into such a conflict on their side.

This is particularly true in Syria, where Russia has particularly close ties to the Assad regime, and has been loudly condemning Western efforts to back the rebels in a growing Civil War. Russia has been supporting Syria, and vetoing UN resolutions that might lead to war.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.