Russia is concerned by the recent clashes between demonstrators and police in Tehran, and calls for restraint and conciliation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Security forces clashed with protesters on Saturday and Sunday. A total of 15 people died and over 300 rioters arrested.

"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," the statement said.

The ministry also expressed regret over allegations of "Moscow's involvement in the internal political processes in Iran."

"We are convinced that this is the work of those opposed to Russian-Iranian cooperation," the ministry said.

Iranian police used tear gas to disperse protestors and were also reported to have fired shots into the air. Several police officers were injured.

Several banks, as well as bus stops and trash cans, were set on fire during the rioting.

MOSCOW, December 28 (RIA Novosti)