We know what’s coming and we are prepared.
Is it possible that NATO forces could become directly involved in the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
Until recently, such a question seemed very hypothetical given the high risks of escalation of the military confrontation between the US-led bloc and Russia into a large-scale armed conflict. But this scenario should be taken seriously now, writes Ivan Timofeev, programme director of the Valdai Club
“A significant escalation factor that would amplify the risk of a direct clash between Russia and NATO, could be the appearance of military contingents form bloc members on the territory of Ukraine. The prospect of such a scenario has already been mentioned by some Western politicians, although their view has not been supported by the US and isn’t an official NATO position.”
“Each of these scenarios involves a direct clash between Russian and NATO forces. Such a situation would inevitably raise the question of deeper bloc involvement and, in the longer term, the transfer of military conflict to other areas of contact with Russia, including the Baltic region. At this stage, it will be even more difficult to stop the escalation. The more losses both sides suffer, the more the maelstrom of hostilities will grow and the closer they will come to the threshold of using nuclear weapons. And there will be no winners.”
https://www.rt.com/russia/599286-russia-nato-ukraine-conflict/
Key targets in Iran that were attacked today so far:
● Ministry of Intelligence
● Ministry of Defense
● Military commanders' offices
● The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
● Base in Parchin
● The iranian leader's residence
● Government buildings
● Judiciary buildings
Cities where attacks were carried out: Tehran, Lorestan, Alborz, Tabriz, Qom,Chabahar, Kermanshah, Ardabil
Khorramabad, Urmia, Isfahan, Mehrabad, Bandar Abbas.
From the reports I continue to receive via Iranian channels, one conclusion is unmistakable: the ayatollahs are not impressed by the American military buildup. They read it as posture - not intent. In their assessment, Washington remains deeply reluctant to convert capability into decisive action.
By contrast, what truly shapes their operational preparations is the prospect of an Israeli strike. That scenario is taken far more seriously in Tehran - and it is driving decisions on the ground.
The events of June 2025 cemented this mindset. When the United States appears fully engaged in diplomacy, Iranian officials increasingly interpret it not as de-escalation - but as potential strategic cover.
On the night of June 12, 2025, President Trump posted on X:
“We remain committed to a diplomatic resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue. The entire government has been instructed to negotiate with Iran. They can be a great country, but first they must completely abandon any hope of acquiring ...
