TEHRAN (MNN); Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged the nation to remain united and vigilant against foreign interference, pledging that his government is making every possible effort to resolve public grievances and improve people’s lives amid ongoing economic challenges and unrest.
Addressing the nation, President Pezeshkian said his government was actively working to ease people’s problems and reduce their hardships. He stressed that Iran would not allow foreign elements to sow discord among the people or destabilise the country.
Calling for national unity, the president invited citizens from all walks of life to stand with the government in confronting what he described as foreign-backed riots and armed terrorism. He emphasised that no Iranian should create chaos or resort to violence, adding that no human being had the right to take another’s life.
President Pezeshkian appealed to the public to clearly distance themselves from rioters and armed groups, saying that peaceful protest was a right but violence and destruction were unacceptable. He said his administration was determined to uproot corruption and address the structural issues harming the country.
Commenting on international affairs, Pezeshkian strongly criticised the United States, saying the US president should be ashamed of actions taken in Venezuela, Gaza and other regions. He reiterated that Iran would not bow to external pressure or threats.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said the overall internal situation in Iran remained calm and stable from late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. In a statement, he said Tehran and other major cities did not witness significant disturbances during this period.
The ambassador explained that temporary internet and telecommunications disruptions were implemented due to security concerns, terrorist threats and confirmed external interference. He said the Iranian people, aware of hostile conspiracies, had clearly separated themselves from violent elements.
He expressed confidence that, as in the past, the Iranian nation would overcome this difficult phase with resilience and steadfastness.
According to Iranian officials, President Pezeshkian has also called for unity to revive the sanctions-hit economy as protests triggered by economic hardship continue in parts of the country.
Semi-official news agency Tasnim reported that at least 109 security personnel have been killed since the demonstrations began more than two weeks ago. Opposition activists claim the death toll is higher and includes dozens of protesters, though independent verification remains unavailable.
State media reported that internet services were largely suspended in several areas since Thursday, while incidents of arson and attacks on buildings were reported in some major cities. Iranian state television aired footage showing calm conditions in several urban areas, as well as pro-government demonstrations in Qom and Qazvin. Funerals of slain security personnel were also broadcast.
Senior Iranian officials have accused some demonstrators of engaging in extreme violence. A top security official, Ali Larijani, alleged that certain rioters had burned and killed people in a manner similar to tactics used by militant groups.
International reactions have also intensified. US President Donald Trump warned of military action against Iran if protesters were killed by government forces. In response, Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Iran would retaliate against Israel and US military installations in the region if attacked.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was closely monitoring developments in Iran, reiterating long-standing hostility toward the Iranian government. Tehran has repeatedly warned that any external aggression would be met with a strong response.
Despite the tensions, President Pezeshkian reiterated that his government recognises the right of people to peaceful protest and understands the economic pressures driving public frustration. However, he warned that violence, foreign-backed sabotage and armed actions would not be tolerated.
