Putin Raises Iran Tensions With UAE President Amid Violent Protests

Last Updated:January 29, 2026, 19:28 IST

Vladimir Putin discussed Iran unrest with UAE's President at the Kremlin as deadly protests shake Iran and global powers weigh diplomatic responses amid rising regional tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday told his UAE counterpart, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, that Moscow is closely monitoring developments in Iran and wants to discuss the situation with him during talks at the Kremlin amid growing regional tensions. The comment came as the UAE has recently hosted peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, signalling expanding diplomatic engagement.

Putin’s remarks followed a warning from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov that diplomatic channels between the United States and Iran have not yet been exhausted, and that any military action against Tehran could lead to “chaos" in the Middle East. Peskov’s comments responded to recent statements by Donald Trump urging Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal or face possible US strikes.

Deadly Protests Shake Iran

The situation in Iran has been thrown into turmoil by nationwide protests that began in late December and have since escalated into one of the country’s most violent periods of unrest. Demonstrations, initially triggered by economic hardship and a steep plunge in the value of the Iranian rial, quickly widened into broader anger over political and social issues.

Estimating the death toll has been difficult due to tight media restrictions and a nationwide internet blackout, but independent sources report stark figures. Activists and human rights groups say at least 6,200 people have been killed in a brutal crackdown by security forces, with thousands more feared dead and tens of thousands arrested.

Other investigations, including hospital data and intelligence reports, suggest the toll could be far higher, with some internal figures indicating that over 30,000 people may have died during intense clashes in early January alone. These vastly differing counts highlight a profound discrepancy between state-reported numbers and independent estimates amid continuing violence and information suppression.

The protests have drawn widespread international attention not only for their scale but for the severity of the crackdown, which rights groups describe as one of the deadliest in modern Iranian history. The unrest has also intensified diplomatic debates in capitals around the world, including Moscow, Abu Dhabi and Washington, over how to respond to the crisis without unleashing broader regional conflict.

Regional and Global Stakes

As world powers weigh their options, Putin’s outreach to the UAE underscores Russia’s interest in shaping diplomatic responses to the turmoil in Iran, even as tensions between Tehran and the United States remain high. US officials have expressed support for Iranian protesters and warned Tehran against further violence, while European countries are considering new sanctions tied to the crackdown.

Also Read: Turkey To Offer Mediation On US–Iran Tensions During Araghchi’s Visit To Ankara

The coming days are likely to see continued diplomatic manoeuvring as global leaders seek to balance pressure on Tehran with efforts to avoid escalation into open conflict across the Middle East.

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