MOSCOW, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday that Moscow hopes the ongoing mass protests in Iran will not develop into severe violence and that any external interference with the situation is unacceptable.

"It is Iran's internal affairs. We hope that the situation would not develop under the scenario of violence and bloodshed," Russian media quoted the ministry's spokesperson as saying.

External interference destabilizing the situation is inadmissible, the ministry said.

At least 15 people have been killed in recent rallies across Iran in protest against the regime, according to Iranian media.