Russia issues ‘Pandora’s box’ warning to US over potential assassination of Iranian leader

The Kremlin has issued a stark warning to the U.S. following reports that Donald Trump may be considering the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with both sides launching missile strikes since June 13, Trump hinted at possible American involvement, saying, “I may do it, I may not do it.” He also suggested on social media that killing Khamenei was an option, prompting concern from Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that expanding the conflict could spark wider regional and global instability, calling even discussions of regime change in Iran “unacceptable.”

Peskov, speaking to Sky News, emphasized that targeting Iran’s leadership could unleash extremist unrest, saying such actions would “open Pandora’s box.” While he didn’t disclose what Russia’s direct response would be if Khamenei were killed, he cautioned of severe repercussions within Iran. The comments come as Russia, which signed a strategic partnership with Iran earlier this year, continues its own military operations in Ukraine. Peskov made it clear that Russia sees no reason to halt its campaign there, stating, “We’re advancing and we’ll continue to advance,” despite Trump’s unsuccessful attempts to mediate peace in the region.