Iran accuses foreign intelligence of fueling recent nationwide protests

Iranian Authorities Blame Foreign Countries for Unrest

President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that foreign countries are behind the recent unrest in Iran. On Monday, he claimed that “the same people who struck this country” during Israel’s 12-day war last June were now involved in fomenting unrest. He alleged that these individuals had trained people inside and outside the country, bringing in terrorists from outside to attack a bazaar in Rasht.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly signalled a readiness to take action. In Israel, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu stated that Israeli agents were operating in Iran, citing their experience during the June war as evidence of their presence. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also acknowledged the presence of Israeli agents on the ground in Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Tehran is on the brink of developing nuclear weapons and is responsible for backing Israel’s opponents across the region. Israel has a history of covert operations in Iran, targeting its nuclear and missile programmes, as well as conducting assassinations of nuclear scientists and politicians.

Israeli intelligence is believed to be active in Tehran behind the scenes, with analysts noting that Israeli officials are unusually quiet about their involvement. Some experts assume that there are Israeli agents on the ground, reporting back on the situation from the streets. The chaos in Iran’s internet has made it easier for Israel to operate covertly.

Iranian authorities have accused foreign countries of destabilizing protests, while tensions between Iran and its geopolitical adversaries continue to escalate.

Source: Al Jazeera