Russia Accuses U.S. of Using False Pretext to Justify Actions Against Iran

Russia accused the United States of fabricating an Iranian threat as a pretext for regime change, condemning U.S. calls for Iranians to seize power as cynical and inhumane. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that ongoing negotiations with Iran were used by Washington to disguise plans to overthrow Iran's constitutional order. Russia, which has a strategic partnership with Iran, also condemned the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the recent conflict involving the U.S. and Israel.