Tehran, January 12, 2026 – The Europe Today: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday said his government is determined to address the country’s economic problems amid ongoing protests in several parts of Iran, as demonstrations over worsening living conditions have escalated into violence, according to media reports.
Speaking on state television, Pezeshkian said Iran’s “enemies are seeking to sow chaos and instability” in the aftermath of the country’s 12-day war with Israel last June. His remarks were the first since protests that began last month over the sharp deterioration of economic conditions and the record depreciation of the national currency, the rial, turned violent last week.
The Iranian president strongly condemned recent attacks on public places, including mosques, in Tehran and other cities, accusing the United States and Israel of orchestrating the violence. While there are no official casualty figures, some non-governmental organisations based outside Iran have estimated that at least 116 people, including security personnel and protesters, have been killed, with more than 1,000 injured.
Iranian authorities have accused Washington and Tel Aviv of backing the increasingly violent unrest, particularly in Tehran, where government buildings, banks, buses and mosques have been set on fire by armed individuals in recent days. Internet connectivity has also been suspended nationwide.
Pezeshkian alleged that the US and Israel have been “training certain groups” inside and outside Iran and bringing “terrorists from abroad” to carry out attacks on mosques, markets and other public places.
“They have killed some with weapons, burned others, and beheaded some. Truly, these crimes are beyond our people’s nature. These are not our people. They do not belong to this country,” he said. “If someone protests for this country, we listen and address their concerns.”
The president acknowledged that his government faces “shortcomings and problems” and said efforts are underway to ease public grievances, particularly on economic issues. He questioned the legitimacy of violent acts being described as protests, saying such behaviour would not be tolerated in other countries.
“Where in the world are such actions accepted as protests? If this happened in the US or Europe, would they allow attacks on military bases or city centres?” he asked.
Pezeshkian stressed that those attacking public property are rioters, not protesters, while reiterating that the government remains open to dialogue with citizens who have legitimate concerns. He said Iran’s enemies had failed to subdue the country during the June conflict and are now attempting to do so through unrest.
“We will build this country with the people’s help and stand firmly against external conspiracies and riots,” he said, offering condolences to the families of those who have died during the protests.
Before the unrest turned violent on Thursday night, US President Donald Trump said on social media that the United States would “come to the rescue” of Iranian protesters if lethal force were used against them. His remarks drew sharp criticism from senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, security chief Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of instigating Iranian youth and urged families to prevent their children from joining what he described as rioters and terrorists.
“Protest if you must; we will listen and solve your concerns,” he said. “But worsening the country’s economic situation through chaos serves no one.”
