Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. AFP
Iran has experienced protests for the past two weeks, triggered by rising living costs and worsened by intermittent internet shutdowns.
Speaking to the press on Monday, Araghchi said subsequent developments saw some demonstrations descend into violence, adding that Iran possesses documents it says prove US and Israeli involvement in what he called a “terrorist movement” linked to the recent protests.
He stated that operatives connected to Israel’s intelligence service, the Mossad, were present during the protests and contributed to the violence and killings reported across the country.
Araghchi said Iranian security forces initially managed the demonstrations “with calm and restraint,” but “armed terrorist groups” infiltrated the protests, diverting them from their original course.
He added that the government immediately opened talks with relevant parties and listened to protesters’ demands.
According to the foreign minister, authorities detected the presence of “armed terrorist groups” within protest crowds, aiming to escalate tensions. He said Iran has evidence that security forces were fired upon in attempts to increase casualties.
Araghchi stressed that security forces remain in control of all Iranian territory and that intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation. He vowed to pursue all those involved in the unrest, both inside Iran and abroad.
He criticized some Western countries for focusing on condemning police actions rather than addressing terrorism, calling on them to reconsider their positions.
Araghchi also said Tehran has audio recordings of messages instructing “terrorist elements” to open fire on civilians and security forces, noting that most of those killed were shot from behind.
He further stated that armed groups targeted government buildings, police stations, and commercial properties, and that images exist showing weapons being distributed among protesters.
“What is happening now is no longer protests, but a terrorist war against the country,” Araghchi said, also criticizing comments by US President Donald Trump on the unrest and describing them as interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
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