Pezeshkian accuses America of fueling the Iranian protests, and Trump threatens
In a new escalation of official rhetoric, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian directly accused both the United States and Israel, holding them responsible for the escalating unrest and protests in the country. In remarks to Iranian state television, Pezeshkian asserted that these "enemies" are seeking to exploit popular demands to destabilize the Islamic Republic.
The "external conspiracy" strategy and historical context
Pezeshkian's remarks fall within a familiar historical context in Iranian politics, where, since the 1979 revolution, Tehran has consistently linked internal protests to foreign conspiracies. Observers believe this approach typically aims to delegitimize popular movements and justify stringent security measures. The Iranian president stated that "protest is a guaranteed right of the people," but stressed the need to distinguish between legitimate demands and what he termed "riots and chaos," accusing foreign entities of training and infiltrating elements into the country to vandalize public property, including burning mosques.
Trump and the red lines: a hint of military intervention
On the other side of the ocean, US President Donald Trump the fray with fiery statements, declaring that the United States was considering strong military options against Iran. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated that Tehran may have crossed a "red line" by using excessive force against protesters.
Trump said, "We are monitoring the situation very seriously, and the military is following developments closely. Strong options are on the table, and we will make the appropriate decision at the appropriate time." These remarks reflect the deep divide between the two countries and increase the likelihood of direct confrontation in a region already grappling with complex geopolitical tensions.
Potential regional and international repercussions
This escalating tension carries serious implications that extend beyond Iran's borders. Any military action or increased sanctions could destabilize the entire Middle East, negatively impacting global energy markets and the security of waterways in the Arabian Gulf. Furthermore, the continued suppression of protests could lead to greater international isolation for Iran, especially given the efforts of European countries and human rights organizations to document human rights abuses.
The death toll and human rights concerns
On the ground, international human rights organizations report that the death toll continues to rise, with estimates indicating that at least 192 protesters have been killed in the past two weeks. Warnings are mounting that security forces may commit massacres amid internet blackouts and a media blackout, hindering the documentation of events and the dissemination of a true picture of what is happening on the streets of Iran.
