Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told ambassadors in Iran that the merchants’ protests that began on December 28 were peaceful and legitimate under the constitution, before new elements entered the scene, leading to their escalation into violence.
Araqchi indicated that there was evidence of gunfire targeting security forces with the aim of increasing the number of casualties. He asserted that there were recordings of voice messages sent to elements he described as terrorists, ordering them to fire on civilians and security forces.
He added that US President Donald Trump’s statements regarding the protests constituted blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic.
Abbas Araqchi stated that terrorist elements targeted government buildings, police stations, and shops, noting the existence of photos proving the distribution of weapons among protesters during the demonstrations.
وزير الخارجية #الإيراني عباس عراقجي في مؤتمر صحفي: لدينا وثائق كثيرة تدل على التدخل #الأميركي و"الاسرائيلي" في هذا البلد pic.twitter.com/Of4e6fvKpJ
— قناة المنار (@TVManar1) January 12, 2026
He explained that these elements burned 53 mosques and threatened to burn shops, and also targeted more than 10 ambulances and buses, emphasizing that what is happening now is not a demonstration, but a terrorist war against the country.
He indicated that the third phase of the protests represents the phase of direct terrorist attacks.
During the press conference, the Iranian Foreign Minister presented a video showing the acts of rioting and terrorism perpetrated by vandals against public and private property.
The Iranian Foreign Minister also asserted that countries that have taken erroneous stances regarding the protests must reconsider their positions, emphasizing that his country possesses evidence of US and Israeli involvement in the terrorist war against Iran.
He added that the situation in Iran is completely under control, and that, according to Israeli newspapers, Mossad agents speaking Persian are deployed in Tehran and monitoring the demonstrations.
The minister indicated that the police are maintaining order forcefully, expressing his hope that some countries will cease their miscalculations. He affirmed that the Mossad and its collaborators are monitoring the protests and that their interference is the cause of the killings and riots.
In this context, the Iranian Foreign Minister stressed that Iran does not seek war, but is prepared to confront any aggression, noting that its readiness is higher than ever.
He explained that the current events represent a continuation of the American and Israeli aggression against Iran, and confirmed that internet access will be restored soon in coordination with security agencies.
Source: Al-Manar English Website