The Role of the United States and the Zionist Regime in the Escalation of Violence during the Recent Protests in the Islamic Republic of Iran

.

The Role of the United States and the Zionist Regime in the Escalation of Violence during the Recent Protests in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Deputy for Legal and International Affairs

 

Summary

On Sunday, 28 December 2025 (corresponding to 7 Dey 1404), following an increase in the exchange rate, a number of trade-related protest gatherings were organized by some shopkeepers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. These gatherings were motivated by economic concerns and were held in response to the negative impact of currency fluctuations on commercial activities, purchasing power, and economic security. The primary demand of the participants was the restoration of stability in the market and the adoption of effective measures to control volatility in this sector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the outset, these gatherings were peaceful, professional in nature, and demand-oriented. Participants sought to express their concerns calmly and without disrupting public order.

However, a significant portion of the peaceful and entirely lawful protests held by some merchants and members of the public in response to the country’s economic conditions were, from 8 January onward, exploited as a result of foreign interference by certain individuals and groups. Consequently, these events were diverted toward violence and unrest, which bore no connection to the legitimate economic demands of the protesters and were neither endorsed nor supported by the overwhelming majority of the Iranian people.

This report examines the initial foreign interventions by certain foreign officials and the Zionist regime.

Respect for and Protection of the Rights to Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly

The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its commitment to its obligations under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), with respect to the protection and respect of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. These rights are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the domestic legal framework and are recognized as fundamental components of public participation in social and economic affairs.

Foreign Interventions

At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its deep concern regarding the clear and escalating foreign interference in its internal affairs and the recent protests. The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the interventionist statements made by the President of the United States and other American officials concerning Iran’s domestic affairs. Such unlawful positions constitute a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, particularly the principles of sovereignty and non-intervention, and in practice amount to encouragement of violence and terrorism against Iranian citizens.

Recalling the long-standing record of criminal interference by successive U.S. administrations in Iran’s internal affairs, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim of concern for the Iranian people to be hypocritical and aimed at misleading public opinion and concealing extensive crimes committed against Iranians. The downing of Iran Air Flight 655 in 1988, resulting in the deaths of 300 innocent civilians; complicity with the Zionist regime in attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities and critical infrastructure of Iran in June 2025; acts of assassination and intimidation against Iranian nationals; and decades of illegal and inhumane sanctions targeting the fundamental rights and livelihoods of the Iranian people constitute clear and undeniable evidence of hostility toward Iran and its people.

 

 

 

 

 

This reality has been repeatedly acknowledged and admitted by the President of the United States, who has on several occasions publicly stated that he was responsible for managing and directing the military attack against Iran in June 2025.

Economic Pressures Resulting from the Imposition of Unilateral Coercive Measures against the Iranian People

The Islamic Republic of Iran further emphasizes that the widespread imposition of unilateral coercive measures has had a direct and negative impact on the enjoyment by the Iranian people of their economic, social, and cultural rights. These unlawful measures have intensified economic pressures on ordinary citizens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The criminal Prime Minister of the Zionist regime has made overtly interventionist remarks regarding Iran’s internal developments while portraying himself as sympathetic to the Iranian people. Such claims are particularly deceptive in light of the aggressive actions of this regime against Iran and the martyrdom of more than 1,100 innocent Iranian civilians. Decades of criminal actions by the Zionist regime against the Iranian people—often carried out in coordination with its partners—cannot be concealed through verbal maneuvering or hypocritical posturing.

 

 

 

 

It is evident that the Zionist regime seeks to exploit every opportunity to sow division within Iranian society and undermine national cohesion. Statements and actions by figures such as the criminal Prime Minister of this regime, as well as certain extremist and hardline American officials, in practice amount to incitement to violence, terrorism, and criminal acts. The Iranian people are fully aware of the true intentions behind such behavior and will not be deceived by these narratives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While the Islamic Republic of Iran considers itself fully committed to supporting and protecting its citizens’ right to peaceful and lawful protest, it is equally obligated to prevent threats to public security. Accordingly, it must adopt the necessary legal and preventive measures to counter any form of violence that endangers the lives, property, or psychological well-being of citizens and society. Within this framework, the rights of millions of peaceful Iranians will not be undermined due to the actions of a very limited number of violent individuals. Furthermore, no political, human rights, or international authority should expect law enforcement agencies to remain indifferent to armed or violent acts occurring simultaneously with or alongside peaceful gatherings, or to allow perpetrators of violence to freely impose damage, harm, or costs on society and peaceful protesters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An example of the Zionist regime’s so-called “support” for the Iranian people includes the missile attack on Tajrish Square in Tehran (during the 12-day military aggression by the Zionist regime and the United States against the Iranian people – June 2025).