Published: January 11, 2026

Tehran – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday addressed the nation for the first time since the country experienced three nights of intensified protests, urging citizens not to allow “rioters” to disrupt society while affirming that peaceful protest is a legitimate right. His remarks come amid escalating tensions in Iran, where demonstrations over rising living costs have evolved into widespread opposition to the theocratic system that has governed the country since the 1979 revolution.

The unrest, now spanning two weeks, has drawn attention both domestically and internationally due to its scale and the severity of the government’s response. The protests began as demonstrations over economic hardships, including inflation, rising prices of basic commodities, and unemployment, but have since transformed into broader challenges against the country’s political structure, which has remained under clerical rule for nearly five decades.

In his televised interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), President Pezeshkian reiterated that “protesting is the people’s right” but emphasized that this right does not extend to those whom the government categorizes as “rioters.” According to Pezeshkian, these rioters are allegedly instigated and supported by foreign adversaries, specifically the United States and Israel. “The people should not allow rioters to disrupt society. The people should believe that we want to establish justice,” Pezeshkian stated, urging citizens to distinguish between legitimate grievances and destructive actions orchestrated by external forces.

President Pezeshkian called upon Iranians to come together as a community, discouraging violent behavior on the streets. “If people have a concern, we will hear them; it is our duty to hear them and solve their problems. However, our highest duty is to not allow rioters to come and disrupt society,” he said. His remarks reflected the government’s stance that while citizen grievances over the economy are valid, violence, property destruction, and attacks on state institutions will not be tolerated.

The ongoing protests have witnessed large crowds assembling across Iranian cities, defying strict restrictions and an internet blackout that has lasted several days. According to rights groups, the blackout appears aimed at limiting information flow and concealing the scale of a crackdown by security forces. Despite the communication restrictions, videos and images circulating internationally depict crowds chanting anti-government slogans, setting fires, and confronting law enforcement personnel. Some of these images have shown buildings, including mosques, ablaze, while authorities reported casualties among security forces during confrontations.

In his remarks, Pezeshkian blamed foreign powers for exacerbating the unrest, claiming that the United States and Israel have sought to manipulate the demonstrations for their strategic interests. “They have taken some people here inside and abroad and trained them. They brought terrorists in from abroad into the country,” the president alleged, specifically condemning those responsible for setting a mosque on fire, saying, “These are not human.” Such rhetoric highlights Tehran’s longstanding position that domestic unrest is frequently amplified by external interference, particularly from countries with which Iran maintains adversarial relations.

The president’s statements come amid an escalating standoff with the United States. US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for demonstrators, stating that the United States “stands ready to help” them and has threatened potential military action against Iranian authorities if there is evidence of mass killings of civilians. This dynamic has intensified geopolitical tensions in the region, with the Iranian leadership framing external commentary as part of a broader campaign to destabilize the country.

State television coverage during Pezeshkian’s interview reinforced the official narrative of unrest, highlighting images of burned buildings and funeral processions for security personnel who were reportedly killed during clashes with demonstrators. Authorities have categorized the events as acts of terrorism and rioting rather than legitimate public dissent. In tandem, the government has announced measures to contain the protests, including enhanced security deployments, checkpoints, and restrictions on movement in key urban areas.

The economic roots of the unrest remain a central concern for Iranians. Citizens have expressed frustration over rising prices of essential goods, declining purchasing power, and widespread unemployment. Analysts suggest that the economic grievances combined with years of political repression have created a volatile environment where protests can rapidly escalate, especially when amplified by perceived foreign involvement. Pezeshkian’s comments attempt to address both aspects—acknowledging economic concerns while simultaneously framing violent protest as externally influenced sabotage.

Despite state efforts to control information, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely. Human rights organizations have reported that hundreds of protesters may have been killed or injured in clashes with security forces, although the Iranian government disputes these figures. The internet blackout and restricted media coverage have made independent verification challenging, increasing global concern over potential human rights violations.

Observers note that the current protests are some of the largest challenges faced by Iran’s leadership in recent years. Unlike previous demonstrations, these protests have maintained momentum for over two weeks, encompassing a broader cross-section of Iranian society. The government’s response, which blends rhetoric against foreign interference with domestic crackdowns, reflects the complex balancing act authorities face in attempting to maintain order while avoiding further escalation.

Pezeshkian’s remarks also underscore the tension within Iran between maintaining public order and acknowledging citizen grievances. By framing protests as a dual phenomenon—legitimate economic expression on one hand and foreign-backed rioting on the other—the administration seeks to justify security measures while projecting a narrative of internal unity against external threats. Analysts suggest that this framing is part of a broader strategy to discourage sustained protests while bolstering nationalistic sentiment.

As the protests continue, the government’s challenge will be to respond effectively to citizen demands without further inflaming tensions or causing significant casualties. At the same time, external actors, including the United States, appear poised to leverage the unrest diplomatically, placing additional pressure on Iranian authorities. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability, domestic politics, and international relations.

In summary, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s first public remarks since the intensification of protests in Iran have emphasized a dual approach: recognition of the citizens’ right to protest and a firm warning against “rioters” allegedly backed by foreign adversaries. The unrest, fueled by economic hardship and broader political grievances, continues to challenge the Iranian leadership, while the country faces heightened scrutiny from the international community. With large crowds demonstrating despite internet blackouts and security crackdowns, the coming days will be critical in determining whether Iran can manage the protests peacefully or whether further escalation may occur.

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