Iran – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has finally addressed the nation regarding the ongoing Iran protests that have shaken the country for weeks. Speaking on state television Sunday, this marked the first time the President commented publicly after three consecutive nights of intensified demonstrations against the clerical government. His statement came as the death toll from Iran protests crossed 538 people since the agitation began last month, according to activist reports.
Dual Approach: Dialogue With Conditions
President Pezeshkian adopted a measured tone during his state television interview, acknowledging that “protesting is the people’s right” while simultaneously drawing a sharp distinction between legitimate protesters and what the government labels as “rioters.” His approach to the Iran protests reflects the administration’s attempt to balance acknowledging public grievances while maintaining control over what officials characterize as externally supported disruption.
“If people have a concern we will hear them, it is our duty to hear them and solve their problems,” Pezeshkian stated, extending an olive branch to demonstrators. However, he immediately qualified this offer by adding, “However, our highest duty is to not allow rioters to come and disrupt the society.”
The Rioters Caveat and Foreign Interference Claims
The Iranian President maintained the government’s consistent narrative regarding the Iran protests, alleging that certain elements within the demonstrations are backed by the United States and Israel. Pezeshkian urged Iranians to “come together and not let these people riot” on the streets, emphasizing that citizens should believe the government’s intention to establish justice.
“They have taken some people here inside and abroad and trained them. They brought terrorists in from abroad into the country,” Pezeshkian claimed, referring to those he accused of setting a mosque on fire as “not human.” He specifically alleged that the United States and Israel are “trying to escalate this unrest with regard to the economic discussion and solutions we are working on.”
Origins and Evolution of Iran Protests
The Iran protests erupted on December 28 in several markets across capital Tehran, initially focused on economic grievances. Citizens took to the streets expressing frustration over rising inflation and the dramatically falling value of the Iranian Rial. What began as localized economic demonstrations quickly evolved into broader anti-government sentiment.
University students soon joined the Iran protests, amplifying the movement’s scope and intensity. The participation of educated youth transformed the nature of the demonstrations, adding demands beyond immediate economic relief to include broader systemic concerns about governance and civil liberties.
Also Read: Iran Unrest: Urgent Plea From Reza Pahlavi To Trump For Intervention
Thursday’s Massive Escalation
The Iran protests reached unprecedented levels on Thursday when massive crowds flooded streets across multiple cities. This escalation coincided with exiled prince Reza Pahlavi’s call for stronger demonstrations against the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The convergence of domestic frustration and external encouragement created a perfect storm that prompted the government’s harsh response.
Government Crackdown and Communication Blackout
Faced with intensifying Iran protests, authorities implemented severe measures to control the situation. The government severed internet and telephone lines, effectively pushing Iran into a communication blockade. This digital shutdown aimed to prevent coordination among protesters and limit information flow to the outside world.
Despite these restrictions, videos from Iran protests continue surfacing online, likely transmitted through Starlink satellite technology. Footage from Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city, shows protesters directly confronting security forces, illustrating the demonstrations’ confrontational nature.
Arrests and Human Rights Concerns
US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that over 200 individuals, including women and children, have been violently arrested by police during the Iran protests. The organization documented that protest patterns in Tehran have evolved into “scattered, short-lived, and fluid gatherings” designed to evade the heavy security force presence.
“Reports were received of surveillance drones flying overhead and movements by security forces around protest locations, indicating ongoing monitoring and security control,” the agency stated, highlighting the government’s comprehensive surveillance apparatus deployed against Iran protests.
Supreme Leader’s Hardline Stance
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning last week, declaring that “rioters must be put in their place.” This hardline position from Iran’s ultimate authority figure contrasts somewhat with President Pezeshkian’s more conciliatory rhetoric, though both maintain the distinction between legitimate protesters and alleged foreign-backed agitators.
State Media Counter-Narrative
Iranian state television attempted to project normalcy Sunday morning by broadcasting correspondents from various cities showing calm areas with visible date stamps. Notably, Tehran and Mashhad—epicenters of the Iran protests—were conspicuously excluded from this reassurance campaign, suggesting authorities acknowledge the ongoing volatility in these critical urban centers.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The Iran protests occur against the backdrop of the clerical government established following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, which ousted the last Shah. Current demonstrations represent one of the most significant challenges to the regime’s authority in recent years, combining economic desperation with broader political dissatisfaction.
The Road Ahead
As Iran protests continue despite government crackdowns, President Pezeshkian’s offer of dialogue represents a potential pathway toward de-escalation. However, his qualification about “rioters” and the regime’s continued arrests and internet shutdowns suggest the government remains unwilling to address demonstrators’ fundamental concerns without maintaining strict control parameters. The coming days will reveal whether dialogue can bridge the widening gap between Iran’s government and its increasingly frustrated population.
