White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre suggested on Wednesday that there could be cooperation between Russia and Iran to deal with protesters who have been protesting for more than a month in the Islamic Republic.
The spokeswoman also highlighted the Biden administration’s support for the protesters: “We support the brave citizens and brave women of Iran who are demanding their basic rights right now.”
Jean-Pierre said the United States is “concerned that Moscow may be advising Tehran on how to deal with the protests, taking advantage of Russia’s vast experience in suppressing demonstrations.”
He added that the evidence that Iran is helping Russia in the war in Ukraine is “clear and public.”
Ukraine and its Western allies, including the United States, have said drones used by Russian forces to attack Ukraine in recent weeks were supplied by Iran.
Russia has denied using Iranian drones and Iran denies that it has handed them over to Russia.
“Iran and Russia are getting closer as they become more isolated,” said Jean-Pierre. “Our message to Iran is very, very clear: stop killing your people and stop sending weapons to Russia to kill Ukrainians.”
At the same session on Wednesday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Russia and Iran are engaged together in violating the civil rights of Iranians and endangering the lives of Ukrainians.
“The United States stands with Iran: with Iranian women and with all Iranian citizens who are inspiring the world with their courage. We will continue to take action to impose costs on those who use violence against peaceful protesters or seek to suppress their most basic rights.”
[Con información del Servicio Persa de la VOA]
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