Moscow, January 12, 2026 — Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia's Security Council, strongly condemned what he described as renewed attempts by external forces to interfere in Iran's domestic affairs during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The call, reported by Russian state media and international outlets, underscored Moscow's support for Tehran amid a wave of nationwide protests that have resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread arrests.
According to Russia's Security Council press service, Shoigu "resolutely condemned another attempt by external forces to interfere in the internal affairs of Iran." He extended condolences to Larijani over the "numerous victims" stemming from recent events in the country, referring to the deadly crackdown on demonstrations that erupted in late December 2025. The unrest, initially sparked by economic grievances including soaring inflation, currency collapse, water shortages, and perceived government mismanagement, has evolved into broader calls for political reform. Protesters have clashed with security forces across major cities, leading to significant casualties.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on January 11 that the death toll had surpassed 500, including approximately 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, with over 10,600 individuals arrested. Iranian authorities have declared three days of national mourning for security forces killed in the confrontations, labeling them "martyrs" in resistance against what state media describes as "urban terrorist criminals" influenced by foreign powers. President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged citizens to counter the unrest, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused external actors—implicitly the United States and Israel—of instigating violence to justify intervention.
Shoigu's remarks align with Tehran's narrative that the protests have been hijacked by foreign elements to destabilize the Islamic Republic. Both officials agreed to maintain ongoing contacts and coordinate positions on mutual security concerns, signaling a commitment to closer alignment. Shoigu reiterated Russia's readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation under the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian in Moscow on January 17, 2025.
The treaty, comprising 47 articles and valid for 20 years with automatic five-year extensions, formalizes extensive collaboration across political, diplomatic, economic, trade, military-technical, energy, and cultural domains. It emphasizes joint efforts against common threats, non-assistance to aggressors in case of attack on either party, and coordination in regional and global forums. The agreement builds on historical ties that intensified following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and shared Western sanctions, though it explicitly avoids establishing a formal military alliance or imposing binding defense obligations. Instead, it codifies existing practical cooperation, including defense technology transfers, joint exercises, and efforts to circumvent sanctions through alternative payment systems and trade mechanisms.
Western nations, particularly the United States and European countries, have viewed the deepening Russia-Iran axis with concern, citing increased military-technical exchanges, drone supplies from Iran to Russia for use in Ukraine, and coordinated stances on global issues. The partnership has faced criticism for potentially undermining international sanctions regimes and regional stability, especially in the Middle East where both countries support allied groups and oppose U.S. influence.
The phone call occurs against a backdrop of heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. President Donald Trump has threatened intervention in support of protesters, prompting Iranian officials to warn of severe retaliation against any aggression. Larijani, in separate statements, dismissed such threats and emphasized Iran's resolve. His role as SNSC Secretary, assumed on August 5, 2025, under President Pezeshkian, marks his second tenure in the position (previously 2005-2007), positioning him as a key architect of Iran's national security strategy.
Analysts interpret Shoigu's outreach as a diplomatic show of solidarity, reinforcing the anti-Western orientation of both nations amid their respective challenges. For Russia, supporting Iran bolsters its position in a multipolar world order, while Tehran gains a reliable partner against isolation. The conversation highlights the strategic calculus driving Moscow-Tehran ties: mutual resilience against sanctions, shared geopolitical interests, and a commitment to sovereignty in the face of perceived external meddling.
As protests continue in Iran with no immediate resolution in sight, the Russia-Iran dialogue signals potential for enhanced security coordination. Observers note that while the partnership treaty provides a framework for long-term alignment, its implementation remains pragmatic and transactional, focused on tangible benefits rather than ideological unity.
