Iran has formally accused Israel of supporting terrorist elements amid the ongoing protests within the country, raising the issue with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed the UN chief that Israel, with the tacit consent of the United States, has been providing financial, logistical, and weapons assistance to armed groups operating inside Iran.
According to a statement from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Araghchi emphasised that the protests initially began as peaceful demonstrations. “However, the situation escalated into violence as terrorist activities became intertwined with public protests,” he said.
Araghchi further asserted that Israel has played a direct role in organising and arming these groups, while Washington has offered support to such operations. Despite these claims, he stressed Iran’s ongoing commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
In response, Abdullah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General, stated that Iranian citizens should be able to express their demands without fear of reprisal. He called for fair and impartial trials for all those detained during the protests.
Al Dardari also urged a transparent and independent investigation into all reported deaths linked to the unrest, expressing concern over potential military threats against Iran. “The resolution of issues concerning Iran must proceed through dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful means,” he added.
The current wave of unrest in Iran began on 28 December, following a significant collapse of the Iranian rial. The demonstrations have since spread nationwide, reflecting widespread economic grievances and political frustration.
Human rights organisations report significant casualties amid the unrest, although figures vary.
| Source | Reported Deaths | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HRANA (NGO) | 2,571 | Civilian deaths across multiple provinces |
| Iranian Government | ~2,000 | Official government figure, lower than NGO reports |
The protests, initially triggered by economic instability, have now evolved into a complex situation involving political accusations, international scrutiny, and calls for independent investigations.
The UN continues to emphasise diplomatic resolution and protection of human rights, while Iran highlights external interference as a factor escalating violence within the country.