Russian General Predicts Further Escalation in Middle East War, Warns of Threat to Israel

Russian General Warns Middle East War Could Escalate, Says Israel Risks ‘Ceasing to Exist’

Russian Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov has warned that the ongoing conflict in West Asia could escalate further, claiming that Israel could ultimately risk its existence as a state.

Alaudinov, who serves as deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ Main Military-Political Department and commands the Akhmat special forces unit, made the remarks in an interview with Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, according to ANI.

“We must realise that the war in the Middle East will only escalate,” Alaudinov said.

He accused Israel of seeking to widen the conflict by involving the United States and the broader NATO alliance. According to the Russian general, Israel could eventually overestimate its military strength if it continues pursuing such a strategy.

“I believe that is precisely Israel’s objective to ramp up the conflict as much as possible and drag both the US and the entire NATO bloc into it,” he said. “Ultimately, they will overestimate their strength and cease to exist as a state.”

The comments come amid continuing military and diplomatic tensions across West Asia, particularly the confrontation involving the United States and Iran.

Trump Reportedly Pauses Iran Talks

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has reportedly instructed his negotiating team to hold off on further talks with Iran until Tehran is prepared to reach a deal, Al Jazeera reported, citing an official, according to ANI.

The official said Washington had been engaged in “positive talks” with Tehran but that Trump had decided to wait before proceeding. The official also denied any disagreement within the US administration over its approach to diplomacy with Iran.

Trump has separately maintained that the US naval blockade around Iran remains in force while claiming that the Strait of Hormuz is open.

“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

He also claimed that naval mines had been removed or detonated.

Iran Speaker Attacks US Officials

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has meanwhile criticised senior US officials over Washington’s approach to negotiations with Tehran.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf targeted US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, accusing the administration of believing that increased economic and military pressure would force Iran to accept demands beyond the existing agreement.

“Americans think squeezing Iran harder will win concessions that were never part of the agreement,” Ghalibaf said, accusing the two officials of seriously misjudging the situation.

The statements come as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high, with disagreements over negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz adding to the wider instability in the region.