Iran’s Guardian Council: Foreign Interference Turned Public Protests Into Riots
Spokesman says foreign interference hijacked legitimate public protests, turning them into violent unrest that claimed the lives of civilians and security forces
Iran | PUREWILAYAH.COM — Iran’s Guardian Council said foreign interference transformed peaceful public protests into violent riots, stressing that recent unrest was not an organic expression of popular demands but the result of external manipulation.
Speaking at a press conference, Guardian Council spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif condemned the recent disturbances and offered condolences for Iranian civilians and security defenders martyred during the unrest.
He stated that the protests initially reflected legitimate livelihood-related demands, but were deliberately diverted toward chaos through outside intervention.
‘Hidden Hands’ Steering Violence
“Based on realities on the ground, it is clear that hidden hands were present and active in these riots,” Tahan Nazif said, adding that these same actors have a record of violence against Iranians.
He emphasized that foreign involvement converted lawful and peaceful protests into scenes of arson, vandalism, and bloodshed that shocked the public.
“These scenes were painful for every Iranian,” he said, adding that the people themselves are demanding firm action against those who carried out acts of violence under the cover of protest.
Protest Is Not Riot
The Guardian Council spokesman reiterated that Iran’s constitution clearly distinguishes between legitimate protest and violent unrest.
He stressed that while public demonstrations are permitted within legal and constitutional frameworks, acts of arson, attacks on public and private property, and violence against civilians and security personnel constitute riots, not protests.
According to Tahan Nazif, recent events demonstrated how foreign-backed interference exploited public grievances in an attempt to destabilize the country and undermine national security.
Public Demand for Accountability
He concluded that the Iranian public has clearly separated genuine demands from destructive acts, noting that calls for accountability are directed not at peaceful protesters, but at rioters and instigators who turned protests into violence. (PW)