13.01.2026 21:54
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, described the U.S. military threats against Iran as absolutely unacceptable. Zakharova stated that the increasing social tensions in Iran, as a result of Western sanctions pressure, are being exploited by external forces.
Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded to the U.S. threats against Iran, stating, "The U.S. threats to carry out new military attacks on Iranian territory are absolutely unacceptable."
Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, made statements regarding the ongoing protests in Iran and the U.S. threats of attack against Iran.
RESPONSE TO TRUMP'S THREATS
Zakharova said, "The illegal sanctions pressure from the West that Iran has been subjected to for years is hindering the country's development, leading to economic and social problems, and the Iranian people are suffering the most from this situation."
Zakharova noted that the increasing social tension in Iran due to sanctions is being used by foreign powers to destabilize and overthrow the Iranian state, stating that peaceful protests have been turned into violent and senseless attacks by provocateurs who are specially trained and armed, receiving instructions from abroad.
"SUCH ACTIONS HARM INTERNATIONAL SECURITY"
Expressing their strong condemnation of the destructive foreign intervention in Iran's internal political processes, Zakharova stated, "It should be particularly noted that the country's government is showing its readiness to engage in constructive dialogue with society to find effective ways to neutralize the negative social and economic consequences of the West's hostile policies. The threats from the U.S. to carry out new military attacks on Iranian territory are absolutely unacceptable. Those who plan to use externally provoked uprisings as an excuse to repeat the attack against Iran in June 2025 must be aware that such actions will have harmful consequences for both the Middle East and global international security."
"WE REJECT THE ADDITIONAL TAX DECISION"
Zakharova stated that they firmly reject attempts to disrupt trade activities by imposing additional taxes on countries that trade with Iran, saying, "The dynamics of the internal political situation in the country and the recent decrease in artificially provoked protests give us hope that the situation will gradually stabilize. The marches attended by thousands of Iranians to support Iran's sovereignty guarantee the failure of the malicious plans of those who are disturbed by the existence of states that can pursue an independent foreign policy and choose their friends on their own."
TRUMP'S CALL TO PROTESTERS
U.S. President Donald Trump had stated that the Washington administration was ready to support the ongoing large-scale protests in Iran. In his statement, Trump noted that the Iranian people are "perhaps more in search of freedom than ever before," and said, "Seize your institutions, continue to protest, help is on the way."
U.S. President Donald Trump also announced that countries doing business with Iran would pay a 25% customs duty in their trade with the U.S.
PROTESTS IN IRAN
The protests that began due to economic problems in Iran continue on their 16th day, with the death toll rising to 646. Footage from the neighboring country shows that body bags can no longer fit in hospitals and that the sidewalks are filled with lifeless bodies. The videos and photos circulated have led to comments that the death toll in the ongoing protests in the country may be much higher than reported.