Iran reaffirms support for Putin over Wagner rebellion
Iran has reaffirmed its support for President Vladimir Putin and the "rule of law" in Russia following Saturday's reported rebellion by Wagner Group mercenaries.
Iranian state media quoted foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani as saying the latest developments in Russia were an internal Russian matter.
"Iran supports the rule of law in the Russian Federation," said Kanaani.
On Saturday, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, leading an apparent mutiny to bring down leaders in Moscow, said his fighters had captured the army HQ in Russia's Rostov-on-Don "without firing a single shot" and claimed to have the support of locals.
Wagner Group fighters crossed overnight into Russia from occupied territories in Ukraine and seized the army HQ in the southern city, a key operational hub for Moscow as it continues to prosecute its war in Ukraine.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
In an audio broadcast on Telegram, Prigozhin said he had the support of the country on his "march of justice".
"We got to Rostov. Without a single shot, we captured the building of the [army] HQ," he said.
Iran has long been a key ally of Russia, with which they allied in supporting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against opposition forces.
One Telegram channel linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday announced its willingness to intervene to protect Putin against a potential overthrow by the Wagner forces.
"If necessary, just as we prevented the fall of Assad, we will prevent the fall of Putin," said the account.
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
