New Delhi, Jan. 14 -- Russia sharply criticised what it called "subversive external interference" in Iran's internal affairs and denounced US threats of military action, saying such moves are "categorically unacceptable" and would have "disastrous consequences" for the Middle East and global security, according to a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The remarks underline Moscow's firm opposition to foreign involvement in Iran's internal crisis and mirror Tehran's own narrative that external powers are stoking unrest.

The Russian statement followed a sharp intervention by US President Donald Trump, who on January 13 said he has cancelled talks with Iranian officials and publicly backed mass protests against Tehran's crackdown. ...