Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the nation on Sunday, calling on citizens to voice their concerns while warning against “rioters” who seek to disrupt society. His remarks came after three nights of intensified anti-government protests that have claimed at least 538 lives, according to activists cited by the Associated Press.
The protests, which began on December 28 over economic difficulties in Tehran’s markets, quickly spread as university students and citizens joined demonstrations against rising inflation and the declining value of the Rial. The unrest escalated after exiled prince Reza Pahlavi urged stronger nationwide protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s government.
Speaking on state television, Pezeshkian emphasized that “protesting is the people’s right” but drew a line between legitimate grievances and violent actions. “The people should not allow rioters to disrupt society. The people should believe that we want to establish justice,” he said. He added that while the government is committed to hearing citizens’ concerns, it will not tolerate those allegedly trained by foreign powers to incite chaos.
The President accused the United States and Israel of attempting to escalate unrest, claiming that some individuals had been brought into Iran from abroad to fuel violence. Pezeshkian described those responsible for acts such as setting fire to a mosque as “not human.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei had earlier issued a stern warning, stating that “rioters must be put in their place.” Security forces have responded with arrests, internet blackouts, and heavy surveillance, including drones monitoring protest locations. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that over 200 people, including women and children, were arrested in recent days.
Despite the crackdown, protests continue across the country, with videos from cities such as Mashhad showing confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. Some footage is believed to be circulated using Starlink satellite internet to bypass government restrictions.
The ongoing unrest marks one of the largest challenges to Iran’s clerical government since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, as citizens demand economic relief and political accountability.