Iranians take part in nationwide rallies to condemn foreign-backed riots, terrorism
Iranians take part in nationwide rallies to condemn foreign-backed riots, terrorism
M.U.H
12/01/20268
Iranians from all walks of life are taking part in nationwide rallies to denounce recent foreign-backed riots, demonstrating their unwavering support for the Islamic Republic.
The rallies in most provinces, including Tehran, began at 2:00 p.m. local time on Monday. However, in some other provinces, the rallies started earlier, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Officials described the nationwide demonstrations as irrefutable evidence of unity and solidarity in the face of the enemy's plots to sow chaos and division through mercenaries and terrorists.
Some shopkeepers last month staged peaceful protests in different cities over economic issues, but the demonstrations were steered toward violence after public statements by US and Israeli regime figures—amplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outlets—encouraged vandalism and disorder.
Authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of economic grievances and vowed to address them, while denouncing foreign-backed elements for exploiting people's livelihood concerns, which are directly linked to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran’s central bank and oil exports.
Iranian authorities say the perpetrators of the unrest are backed by the US and the Israeli regime.
US President Donald Trump recently voiced support for rioters and warned Washington could attack Iran if what he called “peaceful protesters” were harmed, while former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has issued statements alluding to Mossad involvement and separatist plots.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in his remarks on Friday, said the country “will not back down against vandals,” urging unity against the enemy.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a TV interview on Sunday, said the nation should not allow rioters to foment insecurity in the country, stressing that protesting is different from rioting.
Pezeshkian emphasized that the killing of civilians “is not acceptable at all” and said the United States and Israel are training the rioters and supporting them.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf echoed the same on Sunday, noting that Iran recognizes the people’s right to peaceful protest, but will stand firmly against armed terrorism.
The Iranian judiciary has vowed to take strict action against foreign-backed rioters and terrorists, pledging no leniency toward those involved in bloodshed and vandalism.
Participants in Monday’s rallies said they stand by the Islamic Republic and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and would not allow the enemy to sow instability.
“I’m here today to honor the blood of our martyrs and to tell our Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, that we will not allow Americans and Zionists to succeed in their dirty war against our country,” Mohammad Ali Abbasi, a protester at a rally in Tehran, told the Press TV website.
Many participants said that concerns related to the economy and inflation are legitimate, but emphasized that solutions must come from within the country, not from those who have the blood of thousands of Iranians on their hands.
“We reject any external meddling. We face economic hardships and will continue to raise our demands, but we will not tolerate anyone from outside dictating anything to us,” said another protester, Fatemeh.
