Israel, US to blame for Iran unrest—Pezeshkian

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian has vowed to tackle the country’s growing economic discontent. He has urged the public to be wary of “rioters” and “terrorist activities” that could escalate the situation into violence. He has also accused Israel and the US of being behind the unrest.
In an interview with state television IRIB on Sunday (January 11), Pezeshkian spoke about the ongoing unrest. In the interview, he accused Israel and the US of being behind the unrest. “Those who damaged the country in the 12-day war with Israel in June are now focusing on economic issues and fomenting this unrest,” he said.
“They have trained some people inside and outside the country and brought in some terrorists from outside.” He also claimed that these people attacked a market in the city of Rast and set fire to a mosque.
Pezeshkian said the government has listened to the businessmen’s complaints and will resolve their problems “by any means necessary.” However, he urged the public not to give rioters a chance to destabilize the country. “Rioters are not protesters,” he said. “We are listening to the protesters and are doing everything we can to resolve their problems.”
Iran is facing its biggest anti-government protests since 2022. The protests, which began over inflation and economic hardship, quickly took a political turn. The demonstrations, which began on December 28, have already spread to most of the country. Protesters are demanding the end of the current regime. Demonstrations are continuing in several cities across Iran.
In recent days, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to “intervene” in Iran over the ongoing protests. He has warned the Iranian leadership not to use force against the protesters. Trump also said on Saturday that the US is “ready to help” the protesters.
Source: Al Jazeera