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Araghchi decries US double standard over Iran’s response to riots
The Iranian foreign minister pushed back against US criticism of Tehran’s handling of recent unrest in the country, invoking remarks by US Vice President J.D. Vance to argue that no government would tolerate large-scale violence against public institutions, religious sites, and civilians.
In a post on his X account on Friday, Abbas Araghchi defended Iran’s security measures as a response to the coordinated terrorist campaign that left thousands dead and caused extensive damage across the country.
Pointing to Vance’s statement that those who storm churches or assault federal officers should be imprisoned, Araghchi suggested that Washington applies a double standard when judging Iran’s actions.
He then listed the scale of destruction and casualties from the unrest to underscore Tehran’s assertion that its measures were aimed at restoring public order.
Late last month, widespread economic problems sparked nationwide protests.
Iranian authorities initially acknowledged the legitimacy of some demands, but officials said demonstrations were hijacked by US- and Israeli-backed rioters aiming to incite violence and disorder.
At least 3,117 people died during the unrest, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel. The riots also damaged thousands of public and private properties.
“Mayhem of the recent terrorist operation in Iran: (destruction of) 305 ambulances and buses; 24 gas stations; 700 convenience stores; 300 private homes; 750 banks; 414 government buildings; 749 police stations; 120 Basij centers; 200 schools; 350 mosques; 15 libraries; 2 Armenian churches; 253 bus stations; 600 ATMs; 800 private cars; Total death toll: 3,117; Civilians and security forces: 2,427; Terrorists: 690,” Araghchi said in his post on X.