Russia on Tuesday pushed back against what it called attempts to “blackmail” Iran’s partners, after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on any country doing business with Tehran.
Moscow said Western sanctions were hurting ordinary Iranians and making the country’s economic and social problems even worse.
Read more: ‘We Are More Capable Now,’ Says Iran’s Army Chief as Trump Weighs Strong Action
Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said outside forces were trying to use Iran’s growing unrest to destabilize the state, calling it a familiar “color revolution” tactic.
She also condemned what she described as outside interference in Iran’s internal affairs and said threats of new US military strikes were “categorically unacceptable” and could have serious consequences for the region and the world.
Trump’s warning comes as protests continue across Iran, driven by a collapsing economy and a weak currency. Rights groups say at least 646 people have been killed and more than 10,000 detained. Iran has accused the US and Israel of fueling the unrest.
Read more: “Take Over Your Institutions,” Trump Tells Iranians as US Escalates Pressure
