Following recent developments in Iran, tens of thousands of people took to the streets across the country on Monday. In Tehran and several other provinces, people from different walks of life participated in nationwide rallies against what they described as foreign-backed unrest and terrorism, while expressing strong support for the Islamic Republic of Iran, its system, and its leadership.
According to Iranian state media, rallies began at 2:00 pm in most provinces, including Tehran, while in some regions demonstrations started as early as 9:00 am and 11:00 am. Footage aired on state television showed demonstrators marching toward Tehran’s Enghelab (Revolution) Square.
Government officials described the nationwide demonstrations as undeniable evidence of national unity and solidarity in the face of what they called enemy conspiracies aimed at creating chaos and division. They stated that the public had rejected attempts by hired elements and terrorists to spread disorder.
Officials said that last month, shopkeepers in some cities had staged peaceful protests over economic hardships. However, statements by US and Zionist officials, along with encouragement from Persian-language media linked to Israel, allegedly pushed these protests toward violence and vandalism.
Iranian authorities acknowledged that public economic demands are legitimate and assured that efforts are being made to address these issues. However, they maintained that foreign elements exploited public grievances for their own objectives.
According to officials, the economic pressure is a direct result of unilateral US sanctions, particularly those targeting Iran’s central bank and oil exports. Iranian authorities claimed that those responsible for the recent unrest are backed by the United States and the Israeli government.
US President Donald Trump had previously expressed support for individuals involved in the unrest in Iran and warned that the United States could attack Iran if “peaceful protesters” were harmed. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also hinted at alleged involvement by Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, and separatist plans.
According to the Associated Press, President Trump also claimed that Iran had offered negotiations following his harsh statements and threats of military action. He said that communication channels between Washington and Tehran were open.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that US President Donald Trump would face the same fate as Pharaoh, Nimrod, and Iran’s former ruler Reza Shah. In a Friday address, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran would never retreat in the face of saboteurs and urged the nation to maintain unity against its enemies.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a televised interview on Sunday, said the nation must not allow disruptive elements to spread insecurity in the country. He emphasized the clear distinction between protest and violent unrest, declared the killing of citizens unacceptable, and accused the United States and Israel of training and supporting those involved in the violence.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also stated that Iran recognizes the public’s right to peaceful protest, but stressed that armed terrorism would be dealt with firmly. Iran’s judiciary likewise announced strict action against individuals allegedly involved in foreign-backed unrest and terrorism, warning that there would be no leniency for those involved in bloodshed and vandalism.
Participants in Monday’s rallies said they stood with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Supreme Leader, vowing not to allow enemies to destabilize the country.
One protester in Tehran, Mohammad Ali Abbasi, told Press TV that he had come to honor the blood of martyrs and to convey a message to Ayatollah Khamenei that the people would not allow the United States and Israel to succeed in what he described as a “dirty war” against Iran.
Several participants stressed that inflation and economic problems are real, but said solutions must come from within the country, not from forces whose hands, they claimed, are stained with the blood of thousands of Iranians.
A woman named Fatemeh, speaking at a pro-government rally, said they reject all forms of foreign intervention. She added that while people face economic difficulties and will continue to raise their demands, they will never accept orders from outside forces.
Meanwhile, according to the Associated Press, human rights activists claimed that the death toll from the ongoing protests has risen to at least 572, with thousands detained. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said that over the past two weeks, 503 protesters and 69 security personnel have been killed, and more than 10,600 people arrested.
The Iranian government has not yet released official casualty figures. Independent verification remains difficult due to internet shutdowns and disruptions to international phone services.
It is worth noting that the deteriorating economic situation is cited as a major cause of the protests. A 12-day war with Israel last June, subsequent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, and the reimposition of UN sanctions in September have severely damaged the economy. The Iranian rial has reportedly fallen beyond 1.4 million per US dollar.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that nationwide protests were deliberately pushed toward violence and bloodshed to give US President Donald Trump a pretext for intervention. Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, he emphasized that foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, several countries, including Turkey and China, have responded to the situation by opposing foreign intervention in Iran and expressing support for Iran’s stability and sovereignty.
