Iran Tensions Rise as US, Russia and China Respond to Tehran Unrest and Tariffs

Russia has issued a sharp warning to the United States over any fresh military steps against Iran, calling the threats "completely unacceptable." The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Washington of "foreign interference" in Iran’s domestic issues and said using unrest there as a reason for new force could trigger "disastrous consequences" for regional stability and wider global security.

Moscow also referred to the June 2025 US strikes on Iranian targets, stressing that repeating similar operations would deepen volatility across the Middle East. The ministry’s statement added that "Those who try to take advantage of the unrest in Iran to justify new aggression must realize how dangerous this could be," urging Washington to avoid decisions that might escalate direct confrontation.

Russia, China and Iran now accuse the US of trying to destabilise the wider region through pressure on Tehran. These accusations cover military threats, public backing for anti-government protests and new economic penalties. Officials in Moscow argue that such combined steps may damage international security systems and weaken attempts to manage separate crises through negotiation.

As diplomatic pressure grows, US President Donald Trump has linked his position to events on Iranian streets. Trump has voiced open support for the demonstrations and has cancelled all planned contacts with Iranian representatives until reported violence stops, according to US statements describing the administration’s current stance toward Tehran.

Trump used Truth Social to urge demonstrators to continue their campaign, writing, "Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price... HELP IS ON ITS WAY." The post followed reports that almost 2,000 people have been killed during several weeks of crackdowns.

In an earlier comment on possible military action, Trump said the US armed forces were considering "very strong options" regarding Iran. That remark drew a strong rebuke from Tehran, which condemned any talk of force. Russian officials now say such language, combined with sanctions and pressure, raises the chance of miscalculation.

Economic measures have added another layer to Russia US Iran tensions. Trump announced a new 25% tariff on any country that continues doing business with Iran. The US said the levy would apply to all trade with Washington by those countries, effectively forcing governments and companies to choose between Iranian deals and access to US markets.

China has criticised the tariff threat and warned that it intends to respond with its own steps, although no full details have been released. Iran has not yet given an official answer to the new tax. The combined military warnings, protest rhetoric and trade measures leave diplomacy under strain, while all sides continue to defend their stated positions.