Iranian Foreign Minister Accuses Foreign Instigation in Making Protests Violent

International Desk: PNN

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused foreign interference of turning nationwide protests into violence. He claimed that the United States exploited the protests as a pretext for military intervention, escalating the movement into a “bloody and violent” situation.

Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran on Monday, Araghchi said that violence surged last weekend but is now fully under government control. He alleged that following US President Trump’s threats of military action, “terrorist groups” attacked both protesters and security forces to create a pretext for foreign interference. He also stated that video footage showing protesters being armed exists, and confessions from detained individuals will soon be released.

The protests, which began over rising living costs, are now in their third week. The government has announced three days of national mourning for those killed in the violence. Although clashes occurred in some areas of Tehran and provinces, official reports claim the majority of areas remain peaceful.

In response to Trump’s statement that the US is considering “very strong measures” in Iran, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that any attack on Iran would make US bases and Israeli targets legitimate for defense. Analysts say the protests pose a significant challenge to Iran’s leadership in the current post-conflict environment. The government may partially restore internet access soon to signal control over the situation.