Overview
- The Kremlin said Putin told Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu he supports intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to bolster regional stability and security.
- Putin also spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he will keep working to de-escalate tensions.
- Iran’s protests began on December 28 over record inflation and a collapsing currency and expanded to more than 280 locations nationwide.
- Authorities imposed severe restrictions and launched a violent crackdown that activists with HRNA say has left more than 3,400 people dead.
- Despite concerns about possible U.S. retaliation over the deaths, President Donald Trump indicated the killing appeared to be tapering off.