Pezeshkian flags US-Israeli role in riots; Putin says million-strong rallies show Ira
Pezeshkian flags US-Israeli role in riots; Putin says million-strong rallies show Iran’s reality
M.U.H
16/01/20267
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian flagged the direct US-Israeli role in the recent terrorist riots in Iran, as Russian President Vladimir Putin said the million-strong rallies held afterward demonstrated the country’s “real conditions.”
Speaking during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, Pezeshkian reviewed the latest developments in Iran, where peaceful economic protests were hijacked and deliberately turned into organized violence last week.
Pezeshkian said Iran’s domestic policy approach is people-centered. “Our approach in domestic policy is based on the people, and all our efforts are focused on hearing the rightful demands of the nation and reducing the problems caused by cruel sanctions,” he said.
He added that the massive and epic participation of Iranians in nationwide rallies on Monday foiled the rioters’ plots.
“The great Iranian nation, through its epic and millions-strong presence within a short time after these incidents, put an end to the riots,” Pezeshkian said.
The Iranian president also thanked Russia for its supportive stance toward Iran at the United Nations and other international forums.
Elsewhere in the conversation, Pezeshkian pointed to “very good” cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in trade, investment, transportation, power generation and energy.
He said joint Iran–Russia projects are progressing at a high level, with their implementation monitored on a weekly basis and no reported problems.
Million-strong marches show Iran's reality: Putin
Putin, for his part, said Russia is closely and carefully following developments in Iran.
He described the recent unrest as resembling “color revolution” scenarios, while acknowledging that long-term sanctions have contributed to economic and social challenges in the country.
“We fully understand that economic and social problems may arise due to the impact of long-term unjust sanctions,” Putin said, adding, however, that riots and violent disorder have no connection to peaceful and civil protest, according to the Iranian president's office.
The Russian president condemned attacks on state, public and religious facilities as well as violent assaults on security and law enforcement forces, noting that such acts were carried out with foreign backing.
He said the participation of millions of Iranians in rallies supporting their system, leadership and government “clearly reflects the real conditions in Iran.”
Putin expressed hope that the Iranian government’s economic measures would lead to improved conditions and said Russia’s diplomatic efforts are ongoing to clarify Iran’s positions and prevent an escalation of tensions in international arenas.
He also reaffirmed that Moscow has always welcomed the expansion of relations with Tehran, adding that joint projects are proceeding satisfactorily and that upcoming meetings of the two countries’ joint economic commission would explore further cooperation.
On the same day, the Kremlin said Putin also spoke separately with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of Russia’s efforts to help prevent further escalation in the region.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the situation remained “highly tense” and that Moscow was continuing its contacts to encourage de-escalation.
The unrest in Iran, which initially stemmed from currency volatility and rising inflation linked to unlawful US and European sanctions, escalated on January 8 when coordinated attacks targeted public, state and religious sites.
Armed groups attacked shops, banks, bus stations and mosques, killing a number of security personnel and civilians. Authorities say evidence shows foreign-backed terrorist groups distributed weapons, deliberately targeted civilians and security forces, and acted with the direct involvement of the United States and Israel.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has, over the past days, repeatedly threatened to attack Iran if, as he put it, the country kills what he has termed “peaceful protesters.”
Observers believe the Israeli regime is pushing to make the US enter into a direct military war with Iran, as traces of Mossad agents have been found among what is framed as “peaceful protests” by Western media.
Iranian officials and military commanders have responded strongly, warning that any aggression on Iran will make American bases and assets in the region into "legitimate" targets.
