Iran executes protest detainee amid regional tensions

Iran has executed Siavash Jamshidi Kheirabadi, a man detained during protests that began in late 2025 due to economic pressures. Judicial authorities announced the execution on Saturday, stating that Kheirabadi shot at police at least three times in Shahrekord on January 8. He was also accused of coordinating “anti-security” activities online to secure payment for a mission, though authorities did not identify any masterminds.

In a separate development regarding regional tensions, Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev stated that Moscow is supporting Iran through diplomatic efforts and by blocking United Nations Security Council resolutions that could legitimize attacks against Tehran by the United States and Israel. Medvedev noted that Russia and Iran continue to expand cooperation in defense, high technology, and the oil sector, highlighting Russian investment in Iran's oil production and the Bushehr nuclear power plant.