Zakhrova Criticizes Kallas' Statement on Iran

Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, has stated that the head of European Union diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, has violated all diplomatic norms by declaring that the EU wishes to change the political system in Iran.

Zakharova commented on Kallas' words, in which she expressed uncertainty about whether the current regime in Tehran would fall, but emphasized that the EU would do everything possible to support Iranian civil society. “This is already beyond limits when a person who seems to be engaged in diplomacy—again, I emphasize, diplomacy—says that they hope for some country’s civil society to 'overthrow the regime',” stated Zakharova on the air of Radio Sputnik.

According to the diplomat, such an overt attack is a new phenomenon.

Protests in Iran began in late December due to the devaluation of the Iranian rial. The country has experienced an internet blackout. In some cities, gatherings have turned into clashes with security forces and have been accompanied by slogans directed against the political system. Reports of casualties have emerged.

The Iranian authorities, who accused the United States and Israel of organizing the unrest, announced on January 12 that they had managed to bring the situation under control.