Iranian Protests Spark Escalating Rhetoric, Deepening UN Concerns

United Nations

Sphinx News: Ahmed Ali

As protests intensify across the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United Nations has expressed concern over both civilian repression and escalatory rhetoric directed at alleged “foreign intervention.”

Over the past two weeks, anti-government protests have erupted in all 31 of Iran’s provinces. Initially sparked as a movement in response to deeply embedded economic turmoil, the protests have escalated into a wider national and international crisis. The conflict has intensified in both scale and attention for two primary reasons: the suppression of civilians by local authorities and alleged Western foreign intervention. Together, these factors have led officials to suggest that the situation increasingly resembles a nationwide revolution.

On December 28, shopkeepers and local business owners in Tehran — particularly the Bazaari community of the Grand Bazaar — took to the streets, voicing anger over another sharp decline in the value of Iran’s currency, the rial, against the U.S. dollar. Reports indicate that the rial has depreciated significantly over the past year, driving inflation to nearly 40 percent and sharply increasing the cost of everyday goods such as cooking oil and meat.

Additionally, following the reimposition of sanctions by the E3—France, the United Kingdom, and Germany—over alleged belligerence and violations related to Iran’s nuclear program, which is reportedly non-compliant with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), economic pressures on the Islamic Republic have intensified. These compounded strains have contributed to widespread economic mismanagement and growing nationwide unrest.

On Tuesday, December 30, just two days after protests began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, Iranian officials initially indicated receptivity to the economic grievances of their constituents. On X, President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged “a plunge in the currency’s value that has accelerated inflation, with the central bank chief resigning,” adding that he had asked the interior minister to listen to the “legitimate demands” of protesters. On the same day, Government Spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said in comments carried by Iranian state media, “We officially recognise the protests … We hear their voices and we know that this originates from natural pressure arising from the pressure on people’s livelihoods.” Even Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei admitted on Saturday, January 3, through state media that the protests led by the Bazaari middle class, whom he described as some of the “most loyal people in the country,” “have a point” and that the economic situation in Iran “lacks stability.”

Reports from the ground, however, indicate that this initial receptivity was short-lived. Local authorities have since initiated a crackdown on protesters. As of today, reports on civilian deaths remain ambiguous: Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based NGO, suggests that at least 192 people have been killed, while the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that at least 538 people are dead, with an additional 10,600 detained.

In a televised address on Thursday, January 8, Supreme Leader Khamenei alleged that the new insurrections against the government were Western-sponsored, stating, “The Islamic Republic will not retreat … We will not yield to destructive forces who want to break the country.” Reports also indicate that the government has shut down the state’s internet indefinitely since January 8. On the same day, Iran’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology said, “The decision to shut down the internet was made by the competent security authorities under the prevailing circumstances of the country.” Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei similarly remarked on January 7, “There will be no leniency for those supporting unrest or aiding perceived enemies … punishment will be decisive.”

United States President Donald Trump has also issued multiple comments regarding the protests. On January 4, he told reporters, “If they [Iranian authorities] kill people like they have in the past, I think the United States will hit them very hard.” In his most recent remarks, he emphasized potential military intervention, stating to reporters on Air Force One, “We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination.”

Today, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded to the possibility of U.S. military intervention, while asserting that the protests and situation on the ground are “under total control.” Araqchi claimed Tehran had evidence that “terrorists” were being armed and directed to fire on protesters and security forces to increase casualties. “There are many documents indicating American and Israeli interference in the terrorist movement,” he said. Araqchi also asserted that “Mossad agents are accompanying the protests, and their interventions are the reason for the violence and killings that occurred.” He suggested that the U.S. is using the violence as a pretext for military intervention. While emphasizing that “Iran does not want war,” he added, “If Washington wants to test the military option it has tested before, we are ready for it.” Araqchi urged a diplomatic solution, stating, “Washington should choose the wise option.” Communications between Araqchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, are ongoing, with Araqchi noting, “There are ideas on the table [proposed by the U.S.] that are being studied.”

Since the protests began, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced concern over reports of “violence & excessive use of force” in Iran, calling on authorities to “exercise maximum restraint, refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.” Secretary General has also pressed on Tehran to “restore internet access.” When asked about the increasing rhetorical escalation between the U.S. and Iran today, Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated, “The Secretary-General has been very clear in the use of his language regarding what is actually going on in Iran — the repression and killings of civilians are very concerning. At the same time, he encourages all parties to adopt a path of diplomacy and dialogue.”