Medvedev: Iran’s “hidden weapon” rivals nuclear power

Russia’s Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, said he discussed bilateral relations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a visit to Tehran, where he also attended a farewell ceremony for Iran’s deceased Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Speaking to journalists after the visit, Medvedev said: “We discussed the general state of affairs.”

He emphasised that ties between Moscow and Tehran are governed by what he described as a “special, unique agreement — the Treaty on Strategic Partnership,” under which cooperation continues to expand across multiple sectors.

“At the present moment, Iran and we are bound by a special, unique agreement — the Treaty on Strategic Partnership. And within the framework of these agreements, our relations are developing. This concerns the economy, the social sphere, cooperation in the field of transport, cooperation in the field of security, military-technical cooperation and a host of other factors,” he said.

Medvedev added that coordination also extends to international platforms, including joint efforts on diplomatic positions.

In addition, Medvedev added that within the framework of the agreement, Moscow and Tehran are actively consolidating efforts on international issues, including consultations and the development of positions when voting in the United Nations, at major forums where both Russia and Iran participate — this includes the SCO and a number of other important platforms.

Commenting on conditions in the Iranian capital, Medvedev said the city appeared resilient despite reported damage.

“Overall, the general situation in Tehran made an absolutely favorable impression on me. The capital is living and developing, even despite the fact that entire districts have appeared in Tehran that were destroyed as a result of bombings carried out by the United States.”

He also noted divisions within the United States over sanctions policy and suggested that countries facing what he described as unlawful restrictions could coordinate a joint response, including countermeasures and counter-sanctions.

Medvedev further addressed tensions surrounding key maritime chokepoints, framing them as strategic leverage in regional dynamics.

“Instead of real nuclear weapons, Iran has discovered another weapon that is no weaker than nuclear weapons, namely the Strait of Hormuz. (...) By blocking movement, Iran, of course, in this sense demonstrated its strength, and now discussions are underway around this and agreements are being reached on how this strait will function in the future.”

He continued: “I believe that Iran has in reserve not only this ‘nuclear weapon’, but also a ‘thermonuclear weapon’, and that is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which can be used in the event of military conflicts, creating a situation where all oil shipments and other transportation will be completely blocked. I hope it will not come to this, but all countries that seek conflict in this region must remember this.”

Medvedev also commented on ongoing US-Iran negotiations, expressing cautious optimism while warning of potential complications.

“I think many more spears will be broken here. I can only wish success to such negotiations. But it is quite possible that these negotiations may take a different course.”

By Tamilla Hasanova