On Thursday, the Foreign Ministry advised Russian nationals to refrain from traveling to Iran, following the deaths of thousands during weeks of nationwide protests in the Islamic Republic, reminiscent of the unrest during the 1979 revolution.
“We urge Russians contemplating a trip to Iran to delay their plans until the security situation has stabilized,” stated Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokeswoman, during a press briefing.
Zakharova also recommended that Russians currently in Iran take “prudent precautions” and collaborate with local law enforcement and security agencies.
Protests triggered by skyrocketing inflation began across Iran in late December. The Tehran government executed a violent crackdown, which included a nationwide internet blackout and resulted in the deaths of at least 3,117 individuals, though activist organizations suggest the real number may be even higher than the official figures.
U.S. President Donald Trump initially expressed a willingness to support the Iranian people, noting that American military forces were “ready and waiting” should Iran target protesters. However, he later retracted those threats after Tehran assured him that the violence against demonstrators would cease.
During the press briefing on Thursday, Zakharova stated that Russia “strongly urges all parties to avoid rash or impulsive actions,” highlighting ongoing collaboration with “our Iranian partners, who continuously provide updates on the evolving situation.”
President Vladimir Putin, who has remained mostly quiet regarding the crisis, spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian last week via phone, with the Kremlin asserting that the Russian leader is involved in efforts to reduce tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Zakharova affirmed that Russia was prepared to facilitate “a respectful and equal dialogue that could lead to mutually acceptable solutions for all parties involved.”