Pezeshkian accuses Washington and Tel Aviv of fueling unrest in Iran
In a new escalation of official rhetoric in Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian directly accused the United States and Israel of fueling the unrest in the country. Pezeshkian asserted that Western powers and their regional allies are attempting to exploit popular demands to incite widespread chaos aimed at destabilizing the Islamic Republic.
In an interview with state television, the Iranian president stressed the need to distinguish between the citizens' right to peaceful protest and what he termed "riots." Pezeshkian stated, "Protest is a guaranteed right of the people, and it is our duty as a government to listen to their concerns and work to resolve their problems. However, we will not allow rioters supported from abroad to sow chaos in society." He called on the Iranian people to remain vigilant and deny those who seek to undermine the country's security the opportunity to do so.
Background to the tension and economic dimensions
These statements come at a time when Iran is facing complex economic and social challenges. Observers believe that international economic sanctions imposed on Tehran have played a significant role in worsening living conditions, creating a fertile ground for protests. Historically, Tehran has accused Washington and Tel Aviv of orchestrating any internal unrest, viewing it as part of a "hybrid war" aimed at toppling the regime from within rather than through direct military confrontation.
Pezeshkian added details about the accusations, noting that there was evidence of elements being trained abroad and brought in to carry out sabotage operations, describing those who burned public places and mosques as "not human beings," and that they were tools in the hands of foreign powers seeking to destroy the Iranian social fabric.
Trump and the threat of military action
On the other hand, American statements are further escalating the situation, with reports indicating that US President Donald Trump is considering military action against Iran if Tehran crosses "red lines" in its crackdown on protesters. Trump told reporters that his administration is monitoring the situation very closely and that "all options are on the table," including strong options, in response to reports of excessive violence against protesters.
The death toll and human rights concerns
On the ground, international human rights organizations reported that the death toll from the protests, which have been ongoing for two weeks, has risen to at least 192, amid frequent internet outages, which the organizations consider an attempt to suppress information about what is happening. These figures raise concerns within the international community about the possibility of a massacre, given the security forces' insistence on ending the demonstrations by force.
Political analysts believe that the continuation of this escalation could have serious repercussions for the stability of the entire Middle East region, as internal pressure and external threats could lead to unexpected Iranian reactions at the regional level, putting the region in front of scenarios open to all possibilities.
