Putin and Iran’s Pezeshkian Push for De-escalation While Ignoring Regime Brutality

In recent days, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian official Masud Pezeshkian have publicly advocated for a swift reduction of tensions surrounding Iran. Their calls come as the nation continues to grapple with widespread antigovernmental protests that have been violently suppressed by Tehran’s regime. But what does Moscow’s support really mean for freedom and security—both in Iran and globally? Are Russia and Iran Prioritizing Stability Over Liberty? The official Kremlin statement frames the dialogue between Putin and Pezeshkian as a mutual desire to resolve conflicts through “exclusively political and diplomatic” means. Yet, this diplomatic language glosses over a harsh reality:...