Russia's Shoigu denounces external interference in Iran

Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has condemned what he described as another attempt by external forces to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs during a phone call with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

The conversation took place on 12 January, the Russian Security Council said, noting that Shoigu conveyed his sympathies to the Iranian side over the reported casualties.

In a statement, the Security Council’s press service said Shoigu “strongly condemned” outside interference in Iran’s domestic affairs and reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular contact and coordinate their positions on security-related issues, the statement said.

Shoigu also emphasised Russia’s willingness to develop bilateral cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed by the two countries on 17 January 2025.

The treaty, which took effect in October 2025, elevated Russia-Iran ties across political, economic and security dimensions and is designed to guide cooperation for years to come.

Moscow’s statement comes amid widespread protests in Iran in recent weeks.

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Iranian authorities — including Larijani — have framed the unrest as a security challenge exacerbated by outside influences, and called for decisive measures to counter threats to public order.

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