External interference in Iran's affairs 'unacceptable'

MOSCOW - 1 January 2018: The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday that interference from abroad in the situation in Iran is unacceptable, commenting on the current situation in Tehran, where the mass protests have entered their fifth day.

In a statement, the foreign ministry expressed hope that protests in Iran will not turn violent, will not result in bloodshed, Sputnik news agency reported.

"External interference in Iran's internal affairs which may destabilize the situation is unacceptable," the statement noted.

Several major cities in Iran, including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan and Rasht, have been engulfed by protests since December 28, 2017.

The people have taken to the streets to protest against unemployment, poverty, and the rising cost of living.

According to media reports, the number of people killed in protests in the country has grown to 12.