An update on recent protests in Iran

In recent days, protests and public gatherings have been held in several Iranian provinces, primarily in response to economic challenges faced by segments of society. Iranian officials have acknowledged the legitimacy of these demands, stressing that citizens’ economic concerns are valid. The government has also adopted measures aimed at addressing the root causes of current hardships.

The situation in Iran involves limited protests and gatherings in some provinces, linked to economic difficulties that the government is actively working to resolve. At the national level, daily life continues as normal, with public services, government institutions, internet access, and communication networks operating without disruption.  

Authorities have emphasized that the majority of demonstrators have expressed their demands peacefully and within legal frameworks. Senior officials have underlined a clear distinction between lawful protesters and individuals who seek to exploit public grievances for disruptive or violent purposes. According to these officials, protesters are viewed as citizens voicing legitimate concerns, while a small number of organized elements in a limited number of cities have attempted to turn protests into unrest through acts of vandalism, sabotage, and disruption of public order.

Security and law enforcement forces have increased precautionary measures in affected areas, a routine and necessary move to ensure public safety. While the presence of police has aimed at maintaining order, officials confirmed that clashes have occurred in some locations between security forces and individuals engaged in unlawful actions. 

Government officials reiterated that they are committed to dialogue, engagement, and consultation with protesters in order to reach practical solutions and reduce economic pressures that are mostly caused by unilateral sanctions. They stressed that channels for communication and cooperation remain open and that addressing public demands through lawful and constructive means is a priority.

At the same time, authorities warned that there would be no tolerance for actions that threaten public security or endanger lives and property. Officials made it clear that while peaceful protest is recognized as a legitimate right, any attempt to transform protests into violent disturbances will be met with firm and lawful measures.

Officials concluded by reaffirming that maintaining stability and public security go hand in hand with addressing citizens’ economic concerns, and that separating legitimate protest from organized unrest remains a central principle guiding the state’s response.

This is while coverage by some hostile foreign media outlets has focused on amplifying and overstating recent developments. These outlets have portrayed limited and localized disturbances as widespread unrest, often overlooking the broader national context in which daily life continues normally across most of the country. Such reporting tends to downplay the economic nature of the protests, the ongoing efforts to address related challenges, and the distinction between lawful demonstrations and acts of vandalism and disorder carried out by a small number of individuals in a handful of locations./mehr