Iran accuses US, 'Israel' of fuelling violence amid nationwide protests

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Iran’s foreign minister accuses the US and 'Israel' of stoking unrest and orchestrating violence.
Pro-government rallies sweep Iranian cities as authorities seek to counter nationwide protests.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi accused the United States and 'Israel' of fuelling unrest in the country, describing the situation as a “terrorist war”.

Speaking hours after US President Donald Trump warned of “very strong options” against Iran, Araqchi said Tehran had evidence that “terrorists” were being armed and directed to target protesters and security forces in order to increase casualties. He claimed Mossad agents were accompanying protests and that foreign interference was behind the weekend’s violence.

“There are many documents indicating American and Israeli interference in the terrorist movement,” Araqchi said, adding that threats of US military intervention had motivated attacks on protesters and security forces. He stressed that Iran is “ready for war but also for dialogue.”

Pro-government rallies

Authorities organised large pro-government demonstrations across several cities on Monday, including tens of thousands in Tehran, according to Al Jazeera. State media reported mobilisations in multiple provinces, with gatherings at Ngalabi Square and other key venues.

Officials presented the marches as a show of unity against what they described as a foreign-driven destabilisation campaign. The rallies came amid more than two weeks of nationwide protests that began on December 28 over soaring prices and later expanded into broader anger at Iran’s ruling politicians.