Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued sharp accusations on January 31, asserting that foreign leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with “European actors,” were fueling unrest inside Iran. The claim came against the backdrop of widespread protests that have engulfed the country amid economic hardship and political demands for change.
The protests, marked by significant confrontation between state forces and civilians, have been propelled by inflation, rising living costs and dissatisfaction with the current government’s policies. Human rights groups reported thousands of casualties, though figures vary.
Tehran’s leadership argued that external backing for protest movements was part of an effort to sow division and undermine national sovereignty. The commentary also came amid broader Middle Eastern diplomatic tensions and discussions over missile programs and regional influence.
Iran’s foreign ministry reiterated that the government remains open to either negotiation or confrontation but underscored a reluctance to see regime change engineered from abroad—even as international pressure mounts.