Russia, according to the United States, may be advising Iran on how to conduct its crackdown on widespread protests that were started by the death of a woman after being arrested by morality police.
The White House is “concerned that Moscow may be advising Iran on best practices to manage protests, drawing on… extensive experience in suppressing” opponents, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
If the Kremlin has already given such an order, John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, was less certain.
“They may be considering some sort of support to crack down on Iran’s protesters,” he said.
“We see signs that they may be considering the ability to train,” he said. “Sadly Russia has experience.”
Kirby also reaffirmed the claim that Iranian agents are in the occupied Ukrainian territory to assist Russian forces in the use of lethal drones in a campaign that primarily targets civilian infrastructure.
“They’re now on the ground in Crimea to assist that effort,” he said.