Pro-Iran Rallies Condemn "Foreign-Backed" Unrest as Terrorism

Tens of thousands participated in state-organized pro-Iran rallies across multiple cities, waving flags and condemning recent anti-government protests as acts of terrorism. The demonstrations were framed as a rejection of what authorities call foreign-backed unrest aimed at destabilizing the regime. This follows weeks of deadly anti-government protests driven by economic hardship, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. Iran's Foreign Minister has explicitly accused Israel's Mossad of being behind the violence, a claim amplified by a provocative social media post from former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Key Points: Pro-Iran Rallies Denounce Protests as Foreign Terrorism

  • Massive pro-government rallies held nationwide
  • Officials label protests as foreign-backed terrorism
  • Follows deadly anti-government unrest over economic woes
  • Iranian FM accuses Mossad of instigating violence
  • Over 500 killed, 10,000 arrested in recent protests
2 min read

Pro-Iran rallies held across country as thousands condemn antigovernmental protests, calling them "terrorism", "foreign-backed unrest"

Massive pro-government rallies across Iran condemn recent anti-government protests as "foreign-backed unrest" and terrorism, amid claims of foreign interference.

"linking this deadly violence to Mossad terrorists - Seyed Abbas Araghchi"

Tehran, January 12

Large-scale pro-Iran demonstrations were held across several cities and provinces, including Tehran, in the Islamic Republic on Monday, as tens of thousands of people took to the streets to express support for the nation and denounce what authorities described as armed acts of "terrorism" by protestors who took to the streets against the current regime, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported.

According to Press TV, demonstrations took place in several areas, including the Azerbaijan province and the central city of Arak, with visuals from the province showing massive crowds participating in rallies, waving national flags and chanting slogans in support of Iran, while condemning the recent violence and organised unrest that has gripped the country for the past 15 days.

Similar scenes were reported from Arak, where large numbers of demonstrators gathered for what were described as pro-Iran, anti-terror protests.

According to Press TV, the nationwide rallies were organised to reject foreign-backed unrest and oppose what officials have called attempts to turn protests into violence.

This development comes days after the Islamic Republic witnessed anti-government rallies driven by soaring inflation, economic hardship and mounting public anger over governance.

At least 544 people have been killed, and more than 10,681 individuals arrested and transferred to prisons amid protests in Iran during the unrest, according to the Human Rights News Agency

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that there was clear evidence "linking this deadly violence to Mossad terrorists," as reported by Press TV.

The Foreign Minister was referring to a post by former US State Secretary and CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who in a post on X on January 2 said, "The Iranian regime is in trouble. Bringing in mercenaries is its last best hope. Riots in dozens of cities and the Basij under siege - Mashhad, Tehran, Zahedan. Next stop: Baluchistan. 47 years of this regime; POTUS 47. Coincidence?"

"Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also, to every Mossad agent walking beside them," his post added.

His reference to "Mossad agent walking beside" the protestors had sparked speculation that the anti-government unrest might be foreign-backed, particularly by the US and Israel, to overthrow the Khamenei regime, which has been in power since 1979.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
It's a classic tactic to blame external forces for internal dissent. When inflation soars and people struggle, they protest. Calling them terrorists is a way to justify a harsh crackdown. The human cost is unacceptable.
A
Arjun K
From an Indian perspective, we understand the dangers of foreign interference in domestic affairs. However, the scale of arrests and casualties points to a severe internal crisis. The government should address the economic grievances of its people first and foremost.
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Priya S
Seeing the pro-government rallies with flags reminds me that every country has citizens who support the state narrative. But we must also listen to the voices that are being silenced. 10,000+ arrests is not a small number. The truth is often in the middle.
M
Michael C
Pompeo's tweet was incredibly irresponsible and fuels the regime's propaganda. It gives them the exact "foreign-backed" excuse they need to justify suppression. Geopolitical games are being played with people's lives.
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Kavya N
The situation is heartbreaking. So many families affected. Whether the unrest is homegrown or has external elements, the solution lies in dialogue and addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Violence from any side won't bring stability. #PrayForPeace

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