Protests in Iran: Embassy speaks of foreign interference
According to information published by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kyrgyzstan, recent economic protests in the country have gone beyond peaceful expressions of discontent and have become violent due to foreign interference. This information was announced in a press release from the diplomatic mission.
The document emphasizes that peaceful gatherings in Iran are legalized and regulated by law, which creates a legal basis for expressing demands and protests. However, according to the embassy, recent actions, initially economic in nature, have gradually lost their original character.
Diplomats highlighted four key stages in the development of the protests.
From December 28 to 31, peaceful protests took place, limited to actions in markets and trade unions. The government, according to the embassy, promptly engaged in dialogue with business representatives and trade unions, listening to their demands and including some economic issues in the agenda, which allowed a transition from street actions to negotiations.
From January 1 to 7, the protests began to attract new participants, and the actions became violent, though without the use of firearms. Security forces, according to the Iranian side, showed maximum restraint to prevent escalation of violence.
From January 8 to 10, armed terrorist groups infiltrated the ranks of the protesters. According to the embassy, they opened fire on police and peaceful citizens, seeking to cause more casualties and provoke foreign intervention. The diplomatic mission claims to have evidence, including voice messages, indicating coordination of actions with foreign forces, particularly the USA and Israel. These events are viewed as a continuation of the conflict with Israel and the USA that began in June 2025.
From January 10, according to the embassy, the situation was stabilized. Reports indicate the detention of a large number of armed participants, whose names are expected to be made public in the coming days. Surveys show that over 80% of the population supports the cessation of unrest, and more than 70% believe that foreign interference is the main cause of what is happening.
The press release also noted the scale of the destruction.
Reports indicate the arson of about 200 shops in various cities, attacks on 53 fire trucks, eight of which were completely disabled, arson of 180 ambulances, destruction of 26 banks and 25 mosques in Tehran, as well as attacks on 53 mosques across the country. Additionally, attacks on government buildings, police stations, and state property were recorded, during which armed groups seized more than 1300 units of weapons.
In conclusion, the embassy noted that the right to peaceful protest is universally recognized; however, no state can tolerate unrest, arson, terrorist acts, and shooting at civilians and law enforcement representatives.
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