TEHRAN, Jan 12 — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating deadly violence amid ongoing nationwide protests, labeling armed rioters as “terrorists” and vowing accountability for foreign interference.
Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, Araghchi outlined the Foreign Ministry’s view that initial peaceful demonstrations over economic hardships in late December were legitimate constitutional rights. He said the government engaged stakeholders, including professional groups and commerce chambers, leading to reforms that quelled unrest.
However, he claimed violence escalated from Jan. 8 when “terrorist elements and armed groups” distributed firearms to protesters, aiming to maximize casualties. Araghchi tied this to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats of intervention, calling them “outright interference” and citing audio recordings of rioters instructed to target civilians and security forces indiscriminately.
The minister presented “numerous documents and evidence” of U.S. and Israeli involvement, highlighting former CIA Director Mike Pompeo’s X post confirming Mossad agents’ role in the riots. “This is an unequivocal admission that Mossad’s Persian-speaking operatives are active on Iran’s streets,” Araghchi said. He warned that instigators would be held responsible.
Araghchi criticized Western nations for condemning Iranian forces while ignoring Israel’s actions in Gaza—where he claimed over 70,000 Palestinians killed—and a purported U.S.-Israeli “unprovoked war” on Iran in June. “They are shedding crocodile tears for terrorists,” he remarked, noting 70% of Iranians support confronting rioters, with only 30% viewing protests as purely economic.
He emphasized that while peaceful protest is recognized, no country tolerates arson, terrorism, or gunfire against civilians and troops. Linking the unrest to the 12-day June conflict, Araghchi said rioters seek to provoke foreign aggression, but Iranian forces have restored order nationwide.
As the Islamic Republic nears its 47th Revolution anniversary, Araghchi warned adversaries against “miscalculation,” asserting heightened military readiness surpassing June levels. Iran seeks no war but is prepared, he added, while open to fair, equal-footed negotiations—not dictation.
