Former Russian leader cautions of new Chernobyl

(MENAFN) Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has cautioned that Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities could trigger a disaster similar to the 1986 Chernobyl meltdown. His warning comes as reports circulate about the US weighing military options against Iran’s fortified Fordow nuclear site, which is buried deep within a mountain and designed to withstand air attacks. The US is reportedly considering deploying its powerful GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, a capability Israel lacks.

“Even the Israeli defense minister, with his threats against Khamenei, must realize that striking nuclear facilities is extremely dangerous and could lead to another Chernobyl,” said Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, in a social media post.

Earlier that day, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a “modern-day Hitler” who must be eliminated.

Reports from The Guardian suggest US officials are skeptical about the effectiveness of bunker-busters against Fordow, with some arguing only a tactical nuclear weapon could ensure its destruction — an option President Donald Trump reportedly does not support. However, the White House rejected these claims, with Fox News quoting an official who said the military remains confident conventional weapons can achieve the objective. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that no final decision has been made, though one is expected within two weeks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked during a Q&A session with journalists that despite Israeli strikes, Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure remains intact. Moscow continues to advocate de-escalation and has offered to mediate between the sides.

On Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed rumors about US plans to use tactical nuclear weapons as “speculative,” warning such actions would have catastrophic consequences.

Tensions escalated after Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last week, also targeting nuclear scientists and military officials. Israel claimed these were preemptive measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran denies pursuing nuclear arms, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has found no evidence suggesting otherwise.

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