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Russia warns US against strikes on Iran, calls threats 'unacceptable after Trump's 'help on way' promise

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 13 Jan 2026, 10:22 am

Russia has issued a stern warning to the United States over possible new military strikes on Iran, calling such threats “categorically unacceptable” and accusing Washington of subversive external interference in Tehran’s internal affairs.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry cautioned that any attempt to exploit unrest inside Iran as a pretext for military action would have “disastrous consequences” for the Middle East and global security.

“Those who plan to use externally inspired unrest as a pretext for repeating the aggression against Iran committed in June 2025 must be aware of the disastrous consequences of such actions for the situation in the Middle East and global international security,” the ministry said.

The warning follows escalating rhetoric from US President Donald Trump amid weeks of intense anti-government protests in Iran.

Trump urges protesters, promises ‘help is on the way’

Earlier on Tuesday, President Trump publicly encouraged Iranian protesters to continue demonstrations, claiming that US assistance was imminent, without providing details.

“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! … I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

His remarks come amid reports that nearly 2,000 people have been killed in a violent crackdown on protests that have spread across the country.

Trump has previously said the US military is considering “very strong options” on Iran—comments that drew sharp responses from Tehran.

25% tariff threat on Iran’s trade partners

Adding to tensions, Trump announced on Monday that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States.

“Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States,” he posted.

While Iran has not officially responded to the tariff threat, China strongly criticised the move, warning of retaliation. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and accounted for 77 per cent of Iran’s oil exports in 2024.

“Tariff wars and trade wars have no winners. Coercion and pressure cannot solve problems,” said Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington.

Protests spread nationwide in Iran

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 600 protests have erupted across all of Iran’s 31 provinces.

The group reports at least 2,003 deaths and over 16,700 arrests, citing an activist network inside Iran that has proven reliable during previous unrest.

The unrest has been fuelled by a deepening economic crisis. Iran’s currency has collapsed, inflation is running at around 40 per cent, and prices of basic goods such as meat and rice have surged.

The protests began in late December with demonstrations by merchants in Tehran and quickly spread nationwide. While initially focused on economic grievances, they soon evolved into broader anti-government protests.

Public anger has simmered for years, particularly since the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, which had sparked nationwide demonstrations.

Some protesters have also voiced support for Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has openly called for continued mass protests.