Russia helping Iran suppress protests without direct intervention - Media
Illustrative photo: Russia is actively supporting Iran in suppressing protests (Getty Images)
Russia is actively supporting Iran in suppressing protests by supplying weapons and control technologies. The Kremlin opts for discreet assistance rather than direct military intervention, safeguarding its own interests, according to Foreign Policy.
According to the outlet, Russia is not sending troops to Iran but is actively helping the regime strengthen its repressive mechanisms.
Russian weapons
Moscow supplies assault rifles, sniper rifles, armored vehicles, and helicopters, as well as providing technologies for internet control and countering protests.
Following previous waves of protests, an Iranian delegation visited subsidiaries of the Russian defense conglomerate, where they discussed stun devices, flash grenades, and explosive charges designed to neutralize demonstrators while minimizing political fallout.
Internet shutdown
On January 8, Iran also implemented a prolonged internet blackout, which paralyzed society but allowed government platforms and banking systems to continue functioning.
This gave the authorities full control over communications and coordination of forces without direct external interference.
Russia is also attempting to support the regime diplomatically, using its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to block or soften sanctions against Iran.
At the same time, direct military intervention by Moscow remains unlikely. The Kremlin is pursuing a strategy of indirect assistance to maintain a plausible distance from domestic political repression.
Regime repression
Iran has seen the largest protests since 2022, triggered by a sharp fall in the national currency and a deepening economic crisis.
Amid the rapid devaluation of the rial, record-high inflation, and growing social unrest, thousands of people took to the streets despite harsh repression by the authorities.
The Iranian government claims that the situation in the country is stable and fully under control. However, eyewitnesses cited by Fox News report shootings at unarmed protesters and sniper activity, contradicting official government statements.
According to unverified reports, around 12,000 people may have died during the protests.
Previously, 648 deaths were officially confirmed during the largest anti-regime protests in Iran. At the same time, reports indicated that the actual number of victims could be much higher — by the most pessimistic estimates, up to 6,000 people.
