The Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday called for restraint and conciliation over the recent clashes between anti-government demonstrators and security forces in Tehran.
Voicing concern over the unrest, a statement from the ministry said: "We believe the most important thing in such a situation is to show
restraint, and seek a compromise on the basis of the law, and also to take political efforts to prevent a further escalation of the confrontation."
Eight deaths were reported in the unrest that took place as millions of Iranians held rallies on Sunday across the country to commemorate the Shiite
Muslim ritual of Ashura.
Sporadic clashes were seen in some parts of downtown Tehran on Sunday and police forces fired shots into the air and tear gas to disperse
protesters, the local satellite Press TV reported.
Meanwhile, pro-government demonstrators also took to the streets to protest against the opposition, shouting slogans in support of the
government, Press TV said.