Web Desk (MNN); Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States, Israel and several European countries of deliberately stoking tensions during the recent wave of protests in Iran, saying foreign powers “provoked” people and exploited internal problems to create chaos and division.
In a televised address on Saturday, Pezeshkian said external actors brought “innocent people” into the streets, inciting violence, hatred and confrontation among citizens. His remarks were carried by Iran’s official Student News Network.
He said genuine protests do not involve armed violence, attacks on security personnel or the burning of ambulances and markets, stressing that the government is willing to engage with protesters, listen to their concerns and address legitimate grievances through dialogue.
Pezeshkian maintained that the unrest went beyond social protests, claiming foreign powers took advantage of Iran’s challenges in an attempt to divide society.
Iranian authorities have acknowledged that more than 3,000 people were killed during the unrest, stating that most of the dead were security personnel or bystanders allegedly killed by rioters. However, human rights groups dispute the official figures, estimating the death toll to be far higher.
The comments come amid rising tensions with Washington. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran over its handling of the protests, while a US naval strike group has been deployed in Middle Eastern waters. Trump has warned the force is prepared to act “if necessary”.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran remains open to fair and equitable negotiations with the United States but ruled out talks under threats. He also made it clear that Iran’s missile and defence capabilities would not be part of any negotiations.
On Friday, the United States imposed new sanctions on Iran’s interior minister and other officials over their alleged role in the protest crackdown. The sanctions also targeted senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and businessman Babak Zanjani, along with digital currency exchanges allegedly linked to him.
