Russia Ready to Help De-escalate Venezuela-Iran Tensions

JAKARTA - Russia is interested in helping to ease tensions in all regions, including those involving Venezuela and Iran.

"We are interested in helping to reduce tensions in all the regions that are now increasing and that I have mentioned, whether it is Venezuela and especially the Iranian situation," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, quoted by Sputnik, Tuesday, January 20.

He also called for respect for Iran's right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, stressing that it needed to be a key to easing tensions with Tehran.

Waves of protests swept Iran in late December 2025 amid concerns over rising inflation triggered by the weakening of the local currency, the rial.

Since January 8, following a call from Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah of Iran who was overthrown in 1979, the action has intensified. On the same day, internet access in the country was blocked.

In a number of cities, protests turned into clashes with police as demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans. There were reports of casualties among security forces and demonstrators.

In late December, US President Donald Trump said he would support a new attack on Iran if the country attempted to continue developing its missile and nuclear programs.

Trump then threatened to launch a major attack on Iran if protesters were killed. He also promised to support the Iranian people if needed.

On January 3, the US launched a massive attack on Venezuela that led to the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

The two were then flown to New York to be tried under US law on charges of "narco-terrorism."

The Supreme Court of Venezuela then temporarily transferred the presidency to Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.