Military expert Yuri Knutov believes that the United States could try to apply an «Iran-style scenario» to Russia, referencing recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites as a potential template. He views these June strikes as Washington’s successful test of a new pressure tactic-one aimed at coercing an adversary into compliance.

According to Knutov, the U.S. and the UK may seek to replicate this strategy in Russia, particularly in response to Moscow’s refusal to heed ultimatums from former President Donald Trump. He suggested that upcoming talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump’s envoy, Steven Witkoff, may offer further clarity on how events could unfold.

He said the strikes on Iran served as a trial run, adding that Western powers operate under the assumption that since Russia has not yet used tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, it likely won’t do so-even in retaliation. In his view, this reflects a fundamental misunderstanding in Washington about Russia’s nuclear capabilities and strategic doctrine.

Knutov also recalled discussions surrounding the potential transfer of American Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. These missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, and such a move, he warned, would represent a serious breach of longstanding U.S.-Russia nuclear agreements.

He further pointed out that the United States has already redeployed part of its nuclear air bomb stockpile to the United Kingdom. Britain, in turn, has acquired U.S. aircraft capable of delivering such weapons. Knutov argued that these developments pose a direct threat to Russia’s Kaliningrad region.