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Iran denounces US, Israel for meddlesome remarks about protests
‘Remarks nothing but incitement to violence, terrorism, murder’
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on Monday denounced recent remarks by American and Israeli officials about ongoing protests in Iran, saying that the meddlesome remarks are nothing but “incitement to violence, terrorism, and murder”.
Several Iranian cities have been the scene of protests against economic problems since December 28, which began at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over the national currency devaluation. The rial has sunk to a record low and inflation has risen to 40%.
Several people have been reportedly killed during the recent protests in the country.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the regime stands in solidarity with “the struggle of the Iranian people and with their aspirations for freedom, liberty and justice”.
The US President Donald Trump also renewed his threat of US intervention, warning that Iranian authorities would be "hit very hard" if more protesters died.
In response to Trump’s threats, Baqaei said Iran’s Armed Forces will not hesitate or compromise when it comes to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
Baqaei added that psychological warfare and media manipulation against the country are part of the strategy of the Israeli regime and the US to exert pressure on Tehran.
“There is no doubt that the Zionist regime (Israel) and the US are trying to maintain an atmosphere of tension and psychological warfare while keeping economic pressure” on the country, Baqaei said at a weekly press conference.
"The Zionist regime is determined to exploit the slightest opportunity to sow division and undermine our national unity, and we must remain vigilant," he said.
Back in June, both Israel and the US launched a 12-day war on Iran, during which more than 1,000 Iranians were killed.
Iranian officials have acknowledged the economic pressure facing the public and said peaceful protests are legitimate. At the same time, they have warned that foreign-backed elements are seeking to exploit the situation and fuel violence.
On Monday, the speaker of Iran's Parliament said the protesters' "legitimate demands" should be heard and used as the basis for change.
But Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf added that any foreign agents and opponents of the establishment attempting to exploit the protests would be "confronted effectively".
His comments echoed those of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who declared on Saturday that "rioters should be put in their place".