Russian state media figures have issued threats of potential strikes on Europe following US and Israeli military action in Iran, as President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences over the reported death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
Putin described Khamenei’s killing as “a murder committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law”, according to Russian statements released on Sunday.
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Television threats and blame on West
During a broadcast on the Solovyov Live channel, host Vladimir Solovyov and guests discussed possible retaliation and sharply criticised Europe and the United States.
Sergey Karnaukhov and Dimitri Simes, both associated with the Washington-based think tank The Center for the National Interest, argued that the West was escalating tensions with Moscow.
In the programme, Estonia was accused of “waging war” against Russia. One speaker suggested that US President Donald Trump had “unwittingly created political and psychological opportunities” for Moscow, claiming he had “untied our hands” for Russia’s commander-in-chief to act in the interests of national security.
Solovyov went further, saying: “The only language Europe understands is the language of force … It’s clearly time to strike their little house,” in remarks widely interpreted as a threat directed at European countries.
Foreign ministry condemnation
Separately, the Russian foreign ministry condemned the joint US-Israeli operation in Iran as “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state”.
In a statement, Moscow said Washington and Tel Aviv had embarked on “a dangerous adventure” that risked pushing the region towards humanitarian, economic and potentially radiological catastrophe.
The comments reflect Moscow’s strong opposition to the strikes on Iran and signal heightened rhetoric at a time of already strained relations between Russia and Western governments.
There has been no formal announcement from the Kremlin of any military action against European states, and the remarks were made in the context of a televised discussion programme rather than an official policy statement.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 01.03 2026
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