Medvedev likens Iran’s Hormuz leverage to nuclear deterrent
Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev said Iran’s ability to disrupt Strait of Hormuz traffic gives Tehran power comparable to a nuclear weapon.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
1 min read
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said Iran’s ability to interfere with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amounts to power comparable to having a nuclear weapon, Al Jazeera reported. The remark matters because it frames control over a key maritime passage as a strategic tool in Iran’s confrontation with its opponents.
According to Al Jazeera, Medvedev made the comment in a video posted on social media while he was returning from Iran. He had attended the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the broadcaster reported.
Medvedev’s statement focused on the Strait of Hormuz, where he said Iran could disrupt traffic. Al Jazeera reported that he described that capability as equivalent to possession of a nuclear weapon.
The Russian official’s remarks came after a visit to Tehran. A photo caption carried by Al Jazeera identified Medvedev meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in the Iranian capital on July 3, 2026.
Al Jazeera published its report on July 4, 2026. The broadcaster did not provide further details in the report about the video, the funeral proceedings or any formal statements from Iranian officials in response to Medvedev’s comments.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.