Fatimah Otunsanya
Russia on Tuesday blamed the West for the precarious situation in Iran as anti-government demonstrations across major cities entered the third week.
The Foreign Ministry said the “unlawful sanctions,” which the Islamic Republic has been subjected to for many years, hindered its development and caused economic and social challenges.
The spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, accused “hostile external forces” of seeking to exploit the mounting public tension to destabilise and undermine the Iranian state.
Moscow said the protests had marks of “notorious methods of colour revolutions” whereby orderly gatherings result in riots and murder through the actions of “provocateurs trained and armed abroad.”
Zakharova condemned the “subversive external interference” in Iran’s internal political processes, adding that the government has demonstrated a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
Reacting to President Donald Trump’s statement, the diplomat criticised the “unacceptable” threats emanating from Washington regarding further military strikes in the Islamic Republic.
Russia warned that the attempt to use “externally instigated unrest” as a pretext to repeat the 2025 aggression against Iran would have repercussions for regional and international security.
The Federation also faults the United States’ imposition of 25 percent tariffs on countries doing business with Iran. The order is final and conclusive, according to President Trump.
Russia added that the marches in support of Iran’s sovereignty attest to the failure of adversaries who resent nations pursuing an independent foreign policy and choosing their own allies.
On Tuesday, China vowed to “firmly protect its legitimate and lawful rights and interests,” in response to the U.S. additional tariffs targeting Iran’s trade partners.
Beijing has also cautioned against the “use or threat of force” in Iran, advising all parties to act in ways conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East.
The protests, which started in late December, have claimed hundreds of lives. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for a probe of the killings and other violations.