Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday accused the United States and Israel of attempting to destabilise Iran by fomenting unrest, as nationwide protests entered their third week and turned increasingly violent. While vowing that the government would listen to legitimate public grievances, Pezeshkian warned that violence and disorder would not be tolerated.
Speaking in an interview aired on Iranian state television, the reformist president said foreign powers were seeking to exploit public anger.
“The U.S. and Israel want to sow chaos and disorder in Iran by ordering riots,” he said, urging citizens to distance themselves from what he described as “rioters and terrorists.”
Protests escalate beyond economic grievances
The protests, which began over economic distress, inflation, and unemployment, have since evolved into a broader challenge to Iran’s theocratic system. Demonstrations have been reported in major cities including Tehran and Mashhad, with clashes between protesters and security forces intensifying over the past several days.
Verified footage has shown burning vehicles and street confrontations, while unverified videos circulating online appear to show families identifying bodies at morgues in Tehran. Authorities have imposed an internet shutdown lasting more than 60 hours, significantly restricting the flow of information and complicating independent verification of events.
President strikes conciliatory yet firm tone
Pezeshkian acknowledged public frustration and said dialogue was necessary, but drew a clear line against violence.
“People have concerns, and we should sit with them and resolve those concerns if it is our duty,” he said. “But the higher duty is not to allow a group of rioters to destroy the entire society.”
The interview, recorded earlier, was broadcast a day later than originally scheduled, amid growing scrutiny of the government’s response to the unrest.
Rising death toll and mass detentions
Human rights groups report a sharp increase in casualties. Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based organisation, said at least 192 protesters have been killed since the demonstrations began, cautioning that the actual number could be higher due to the communications blackout.
A separate U.S.-based monitoring group reported 116 deaths, including 37 members of the security forces, and said approximately 2,600 people have been detained nationwide.
Parliament issues warning to U.S. and Israel
As tensions escalated, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a stark warning, stating that U.S. military assets and Israel would be considered legitimate targets if Washington carried out military action against Iran.
“In the event of an attack on Iran, all American military bases, ships, and the occupied territory will be our legitimate targets,” he said during a parliamentary session broadcast on state television, as lawmakers chanted anti-U.S. slogans.
