Russia condemns foreign interference in Iran, pledges security cooperation

MOSCOW: Russia’s Security Council chief, Sergei Shoigu, spoke with Iran’s National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani on Monday, condemning foreign attempts to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs, Interfax reported.

Shoigu also expressed condolences for the large number of deaths in nationwide protests. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the US and Israel of trying to “sow chaos and disorder” in the country, while Tehran says it continues to keep communications open with Washington.

The Russian official said Moscow is ready to strengthen cooperation with Iran under the 2025 strategic partnership treaty. Both sides agreed to continue coordinating and working together to enhance security.

Protests in Iran, which started over economic issues, have grown into calls for the fall of the country’s clerical leadership. The US-based rights group HRANA has confirmed 572 deaths, though Reuters could not independently verify the numbers.

Russia and Iran have grown closer since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Last year, President Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 20-year strategic partnership deal to expand military and other forms of cooperation, though it does not include a mutual defence clause.