Putin warns US force against Iran would be 'disaster' after drone shot down
Iran 'ready to defend their country to the hilt'
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
Vladimir Putin has described the prospect of armed conflict between the United States and Iran as a “catastrophe” that would lead to a spike in violence and increase in number of refugees.
The Russian president described Iran as “a Shiite nation … ready to defend their country to the hilt.”
“It’s very difficult to assess what will happen if military forces are engaged,” he said.
“I very much hope that events do not follow such a scenario.”
He made the comments during his annual marathon “direct line” phone-in show – a carefully-choreographed event, lasting several hours, that projects the president as Russia’s only all-powerful problem-solver.
This comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran after Iran shot down a US military drone using surface-to-air missile.
The Pentagon hit out at Iran, calling the incident an “unprovoked attack on a US surveillance asset in international airspace” while Iran says said the drone entered its territory near the Kouhmobarak district in the south of the country.
The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned in speech that it sent “a clear message” to America.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments