TEHRAN - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that US President Donald Trump's incendiary remarks against Iran in support of violent protestors are “deeply concerning”.

Lavrov also said the United States has trampled upon the principles of international law regarding Iran.

He said Trump has openly said he does not care about international law.

In provocative remarks on January 2, Trump indirectly encouraged protestors in Iran to resort to violent acts. Writing on Truth Social on January 2, Trump said, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” if Iran counters protestors. Following this statement, the peaceful protests, driven by economic grievances, turned violent.

On January 3, he told protestors, “Stay strong, help is coming!” Again, on January 13, he wrote on Truth Social, “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!”

According to SNN, Lavrov also said the United States is destabilizing Cuba and other Latin American states.

The veteran Russian diplomat also said the world is no longer unipolar.

Many countries are seeking a multi-polar world, he said, adding that the number of countries that have joined BRICS has almost doubled 

Iran officially joined BRICS on January 1, 2024, following an invitation announced at the BRICS summit in August 2023.

According to RT, Lavrov also said Moscow facilitated quiet contacts between Israel and Iran at their request. He said Russia does not publicize such efforts and only acts when asked to help.

Russia will trade with Iran despite US tariffs

Lavrov also said on Tuesday that Russia will continue trading with Iran despite threats of US sanctions.

"I see no reasons to stop joint projects with Iran, despite US threats to raise tariffs," Lavrov stated, according to Investing.com.

Trump announced on January 12 that any country conducting business with Iran would face a 25% tariff rate on all trade with the United States.

Lavrov emphasized that Russia sees no reason to halt its commercial relationship with Iran and will continue trading "whenever it considers it appropriate," regardless of the potential U.S. penalties.