Tehran (Iran), January 12 — Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, referring to the violence witnessed over the past 15 days, claimed there is evidence linking the deadly unrest to “Mossad terrorists,” Press TV reported.
Iranians have been protesting since December 28, 2025. The demonstrations initially began over worsening economic conditions but have since expanded to directly target the Khamenei regime, which has been in power since 1979.
The foreign minister’s remarks come as international leaders and audiences have increasingly condemned the violence and the deaths of Iranian nationals during the protests.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the situation, saying Israel is closely monitoring developments in Iran. He voiced support for Iranian citizens protesting for freedom and praised their courage in the face of repression.
According to the latest data from the Human Rights Activists News Agency, the deaths of 544 people during the protests have been confirmed, with dozens of additional cases still under review. More than 10,681 individuals have reportedly been transferred to prisons following their arrest. Protests have taken place at 585 locations across the country, spanning 186 cities in all 31 provinces.
Meanwhile, exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has emerged as a vocal supporter of the demonstrators, backing what he described as a nationwide movement against the Islamic Republic.
In a video message posted on X, Pahlavi said, “I announce another stage of the national uprising to overthrow the Islamic Republic and reclaim our dear Iran. Inside Iran, in addition to seizing and holding the central streets of cities, all institutions and apparatuses responsible for the regime’s false propaganda and cutting off communications are considered legitimate targets. Government employees, and the armed and security forces, have the opportunity to join the people and be helpers of the nation, or to choose complicity with the murderers of the nation and buy eternal shame and the curse of the nation for themselves.”
Addressing Iranians living abroad, he asserted that Iranian embassies and consulates belong to the people and should display Iran’s national flag rather than that of the Islamic Republic.
“The regime is facing a serious shortage of repressive forces, and the increased shooting at the people is not out of strength, but due to a lack of mercenaries and fear of faster collapse and fall. We will not allow these criminals to shed more of our youth’s blood on the ground. We will not go back. The freedom of Iran is near. The blood spilled on the ground of Iran’s immortal children guides us toward victory. We are not alone. Global assistance will arrive soon as well. Wait for my next messages. We will soon reclaim our dear Iran from the Islamic Republic and hold celebrations of freedom and victory everywhere in Iran,” he said.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the Islamic Republic appears to be crossing a “red line” set by his administration following reports of the killing, mostly of protesters, prompting Washington to consider what he described as “very strong options.”
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