Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that US, Israeli and European leaders had taken advantage of Iran’s economic woes, fueled unrest and provided people with the means to “tear the nation apart” during recent protests.
US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Europeans “rid on our problems, provoked and tried – and still try – to divide society,” Pezeshkian said.
He added: “They brought them to the streets and wanted, as they said, to tear this country apart, to sow conflict and hatred among the people. In a live broadcast on state television, Pezeshkian said American, Israeli and European leaders had tried to “provoke, create division and provide resources, drawing some innocent people into this movement.”
He went on to say that it is clear that this is more than just a social protest.
Iran protests
Nationwide protests that lasted two weeks and began in late December over an economic crisis marked by soaring inflation and rising living costs eased after a violent crackdown by clerical authorities. According to the US-based HRANA, at least 6,563 people were killed, including 6,170 protesters and 214 security personnel.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told CNN Turk that the death toll included 3,100 people, 2,000 of whom were security forces.
Trump has consistently voiced support for the protesters and warned that the US is ready to act if Iran continues to attack it. US officials said on Friday, according to Reuters, that Trump was considering his options but had not yet decided on striking Iran.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Ynet news reported that a US Navy destroyer arrived at the Israeli port of Eilat on Friday.
Regional allies, including Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, are making diplomatic efforts to prevent a military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
The US has insisted that Iran curb its missile program as a condition for resuming talks, but Iran has rejected the demand.
Foreign Minister Araqchi said in Turkey on Tuesday that the missiles would never be subject to negotiations. Responding to US threats of military action, Araqchi said Tehran was ready for either negotiations or conflict, and was also willing to work with regional countries to promote stability and peace.
Araqchi informed CNN Turk: “Regime change is a complete fantasy. Some have fallen for this illusion. “Our system is so deeply rooted and so firmly established that the comings and goings of individuals make no difference.”
(With agency input)
