Irans President Blames Trump and Netanyahu for Tensions During Protests

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that foreign powers, including US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and European nations, took advantage of the country’s problems and provoked societal tensions during recent protests. In a televised address on Saturday, Pezeshkian claimed that these external actors “equipped” protesters with firearms and incited them to engage in violent behavior, resulting in clashes between groups.

Pezeshkian emphasized that peaceful protests should not involve violence or harm towards individuals or property. He suggested that authorities should engage with protesters, listen to their concerns, and work to resolve issues amicably. The Iranian president also stated that foreign powers “took advantage” of the country’s problems and sought to divide its society.

Iran has reported over 3,000 deaths during recent protests, with authorities attributing most of these fatalities to security forces or bystanders killed by protesters. However, human rights groups estimate that the actual number of deaths may be significantly higher, in the tens of thousands.

The US has maintained a naval strike group in Middle Eastern waters since Monday and warned it is prepared to launch a military strike on Iran if necessary. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country is willing to engage in talks with the US, but emphasized that negotiations cannot take place under the threat of violence.

Separately, the US has imposed sanctions on several high-ranking officials, including Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Iranian investor Babak Morteza Zanjani. These sanctions target individuals responsible for embezzlement and other alleged crimes related to the protests.

Source: Al Jazeera