Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused US, Israeli, and European leaders of taking advantage of Iran’s economic challenges to fuel unrest and divide the nation during recent protests. The nationwide demonstrations, sparked by economic hardships such as high inflation and increased living expenses, subsided following a violent crackdown by Iran’s clerical authorities. Reports from the US-based rights group HRANA suggest that the crackdown resulted in the deaths of over 6,500 individuals, including protesters and security forces.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated in an interview with CNN Turk that approximately 3,100 people, including 2,000 security personnel, lost their lives during the protests. President Pezeshkian, speaking on a televised address, criticized the US, Israeli, and European leaders for attempting to instigate divisions and manipulate innocent citizens to participate in the unrest.
President Donald Trump openly supported the demonstrators and hinted at potential actions if Iran continued its violent response to protests. Meanwhile, reports emerged that a US Navy destroyer had docked in Eilat, Israel, raising tensions in the region. Pezeshkian condemned the foreign leaders for exploiting Iran’s internal issues to incite conflict and discord among its people.
Amid escalating tensions, regional allies like Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia have been working diplomatically to prevent a direct military confrontation between the US and Iran. The US has insisted on Iran scaling back its missile program as a precondition for resuming negotiations, a demand that Iran has firmly rejected.
Foreign Minister Araqchi reiterated in Turkey that missile capabilities were non-negotiable. In response to potential military threats, Araqchi emphasized Iran’s readiness for negotiations or conflict, as well as its commitment to collaborating with neighboring countries to enhance stability in the region.
Araqchi dismissed the notion of regime change as unrealistic, underscoring the resilience of Iran’s political system against external pressures. He emphasized that the Iranian government’s foundation was strong and unwavering, unaffected by individual changes in leadership.
