Russia Issues Stark Warning to US Over Potential Military Action Against Iran Amid Escalating Protests
On January 13, 2026, Russia’s Foreign Ministry delivered a strongly worded statement condemning what it described as “subversive external interference” in Iran’s internal affairs. The ministry specifically denounced U.S. threats of renewed military strikes as “categorically unacceptable” and cautioned that any attempt to exploit the country’s ongoing anti-government protests as a pretext for repeating military aggression—referring to U.S. strikes on Iranian targets in June 2025—would result in “disastrous consequences” for the Middle East and global international security.
The warning comes against the backdrop of widespread unrest in Iran that began in late December 2025, initially sparked by severe economic challenges including a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial, soaring inflation, and subsidy cuts. What started as demonstrations over these hardships quickly evolved into broader anti-government protests across all 31 provinces, with chants including “Death to the dictator” and calls for regime change. Iranian authorities have responded with a heavy crackdown, imposing nationwide internet blackouts, restricting communications, and deploying security forces aggressively.
Human rights organizations and activists have reported staggering casualty figures amid the suppression. Estimates vary, but credible reports indicate at least 2,000 to over 2,500 protesters killed in recent days, with thousands more arrested. Witnesses have described scenes of security forces opening fire on crowds, including the use of live ammunition, snipers, and other lethal measures. Iranian officials have acknowledged some deaths but have accused foreign powers—particularly the United States and Israel—of instigating the unrest through “specially trained and armed provocateurs” to destabilize the Islamic Republic.
The Russian statement aligns closely with Moscow’s longstanding strategic partnership with Tehran, which includes military cooperation and mutual support in evading Western sanctions. Russia framed the situation as an attempt by external actors to engineer a “color revolution” and undermine Iran’s sovereignty, echoing Tehran’s own accusations.
The escalation in rhetoric follows high-profile interventions by U.S. President Donald Trump. In posts on Truth Social, Trump has publicly backed the protesters, urging them to “KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!” and stating that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.” He has also canceled planned talks with Iranian officials, imposed a 25% tariff on countries conducting business with Iran, and signaled that the U.S. is considering “very strong” military options if the crackdown continues, including potential intervention to protect demonstrators. Trump has repeatedly warned that violent suppression could prompt a forceful U.S. response, describing the situation as one where Iran is “looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before.”
Iran has vowed retaliation against any attacks, with officials declaring U.S. military bases in the region as legitimate targets. The situation remains highly tense, with diplomacy stalled and the risk of broader regional conflict looming. International reactions are divided: some Western governments have expressed concern over human rights violations and called for restraint, while others, including China, have opposed external interference in Iran’s domestic matters.
As the protests and crackdown continue into mid-January 2026, the exchange of warnings between Moscow and Washington underscores the deepening geopolitical divisions surrounding Iran’s internal crisis and the potential for it to spiral into a larger confrontation. The full implications for regional stability and global security are still unfolding.
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