A Russian military expert has warned that American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities could trigger the third world war, as Tehran demanded an emergency UN Security Council session.

Political scientist and military expert Yevgeny Mikhailov said the US strikes on Iran's Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities represented a dangerous call for Iranian capitulation.

"Despite the fact that Washington has not declared entry into war, it is already striking Iran. By hitting nuclear facilities they are hinting that further resistance will only make things worse, and Iran needs to come to its senses now and agree to American conditions. That is, complete capitulation. But Iran will not go for this," Mikhailov told Vechernyaya Moskva on June 22.

Mikhailov said Iran's appeal to the UN Security Council was merely a diplomatic step that would not change the situation.

"The UN, in my view, has completely ceased to perform the functions that are part of its duties. It is no longer the 'link' that can stop this or that conflict in the world," he said.

The expert warned that other states would be drawn into the Iran-Israel conflict following increased American participation.

"Yemeni Houthis have already expressed their intention to support Tehran, declaring that they will destroy all ships of the Western community in the area of their shores. Thus, the conflict will only expand," Mikhailov said.

He added that Pakistan had promised to join opposition to Israel if nuclear facilities in Iran were struck.

Mikhailov warned that devastating strikes on Tehran's nuclear facilities could trigger a global conflict, with millions of refugees posing a direct threat to Russia and Azerbaijan.

"A serious strike on Iran would lead to major regional destabilisation, which could ultimately lead to the third world war," he said.

The expert suggested the beginning of a third world war had already been established through serious military actions changing the world order.