Russia issued a strong warning against what it called “subversive external interference” in Iran’s internal affairs, saying US threats of renewed military action against Tehran are “categorically unacceptable”
and risk destabilising the wider region. The Russian Foreign Ministry said any attempt to exploit unrest in Iran as justification for further military action would have serious consequences for both Middle East stability and global security.
“Those who plan to use externally inspired unrest as a pretext for repeating the aggression against Iran committed in June 2025 must be aware of the disastrous consequences of such actions,” the ministry said, warning that escalation would have far-reaching international repercussions.
The remarks followed a sharp intervention by US President Donald Trump, who publicly backed ongoing protests in Iran, cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials and warned that those responsible for violence against demonstrators would “pay a big price.”
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting and to document alleged abuses by authorities, ahead of a meeting with his national security team to discuss options on Iran. He said diplomatic engagement with Tehran had been halted in response to what he described as the “senseless killing of protesters.”
“I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS,” Donald Trump wrote, adding, “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”
The exchange comes as Iran faces intensifying nationwide protests sparked by economic hardship, with demonstrations entering their third week. The unrest has been met with a sweeping security crackdown, with Iranian authorities blaming the violence on rioters and foreign-backed “vandals.” The protests represent the most serious internal challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership in at least three years.
Iranian officials have accused the US and Israel of fomenting instability and claim armed groups have hijacked otherwise legitimate protests over economic conditions. Russia, one of Iran’s closest strategic allies, has repeatedly opposed foreign intervention in the country, warning that military pressure or regime-change efforts could trigger broader instability across the Middle East.
