In recent days, Iran has witnessed a rise in unrest and protests in several cities, primarily driven by economic grievances and public dissatisfaction with living conditions. Expressing such demands through lawful and peaceful means is a legitimate right of citizens. However, developments on the ground indicate that in some cases, these protests were diverted from their original path and escalated into unrest shaped by hidden agendas and foreign interference. This article seeks to examine these developments and shed light on the role of external actors.
Respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, has consistently been emphasized by the Islamic Republic of Iran and is enshrined in its Constitution and domestic laws. These rights provide a framework for expressing legitimate demands and encourage active civic participation, contributing to social cohesion and public trust.
The Iranian government has undertaken economic support measures, strengthened social welfare mechanisms, expanded employment opportunities, and implemented targeted reforms to ease economic pressures and restore calm. Emphasis on dialogue and engagement with the public reflects the belief that lasting stability can only be achieved through constructive communication and responsible policy.
Nevertheless, in recent days, interventions by certain hostile states, together with organized terrorist groups backed by them, have led to increased insecurity, violent clashes, unrest, and the loss of lives. Evidence suggests that these actions were coordinated within Iranian territory, with the aim of transforming peaceful protests into violence and instability. The scale and intensity of such foreign-backed activities have grown in recent days, directly threatening public safety and social order.
Such threats and interventions, regardless of any political pretext or verbal framing, are absolutely prohibited under international law. Any attempt to provoke, encourage, or legitimize internal unrest as a pretext for external pressure or military intervention constitutes a blatant violation of the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. These actions contravene Articles 2(1), 4, and 7 of the UN Charter, as well as UN General Assembly Resolution 2625 of 1970. Furthermore, under international law, encouraging, supporting, or facilitating subversive or violent activities within one country, even from another country’s territory, constitutes an international wrongful act and directly incurs responsibility for the interfering state.
Despite these efforts, the vigilance of security institutions and the active presence and support of the people effectively thwarted these so-called targeted and organized plots. The Iranian nation responded decisively, demonstrating unity, resilience, and a strong commitment to preserving national security and stability.
The hostile policies, explicit threats, and interventionist actions of the United States and the Zionist regime have played a significant role in attempts to destabilize Iran’s internal environment. Through unilateral sanctions, political and security pressure, and support for destabilizing groups, these actors have pursued objectives that stand in clear contradiction to international law, norms, and treaties, while undermining regional and domestic stability.
By: Gholamreza Mahdaviraja
The Islamic Republic of Iran maintains that protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms while safeguarding public order and national security are inseparable principles. Supporting peaceful expression, addressing economic and social concerns, promoting dialogue, and firmly confronting terrorism and foreign interference together form a balanced approach toward stability, social justice, and sustainable development.
As demonstrated over the past 47 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not allow any foreign country to interfere in its internal affairs, and it has consistently defended its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. Iran remains firmly committed to these principles and will continue to act decisively in their defense.
Golamreza Mahdavi Raja is the Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria
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