Iran complains to UN over alleged foreign-backed violence during protests

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has sent a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the foreign ministers of countries around the world, warning of what Tehran describes as external involvement in the ongoing protests.

In the letter, Araghchi expressed concern that peaceful protests, which began over economic issues, had been exploited by “terrorist elements” allegedly linked to Israel and the United States, Caliber.Az reports, citing a Telegram post by Iran's Foreign Ministry.

“The peaceful demonstrations were seized by terrorists, resulting in armed unrest, beheadings, people being burned alive, and attacks on law enforcement personnel and civilians,” the letter states.

The minister also expressed concern over “irresponsible and provocative statements by U.S. officials,” which, he said, encouraged violence and interference in Iran’s internal affairs.

He emphasised that Iran had taken “all measures to ensure the restraint of law enforcement forces,” maintaining the safety of citizens and upholding the law.

Araghchi called on the international community to “condemn any terrorist acts and foreign interference that threaten the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests.”

According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the nationwide protests in Iran that erupted on December 28, 2025, over national currency devaluation and other economic and political issues have resulted in thousands of casualties and arrests amid a harsh government crackdown. As of January 15, 2026, HRANA reported that the death toll has risen to at least 2,571 people since unrest began in late December — including 2,403 protesters, 147 security forces and government supporters, 12 minors and nine non-participating civilians — making these demonstrations some of the deadliest in years.

HRANA also documented thousands of arrests and widespread protests across all 31 provinces, even as Iranian authorities imposed near-total internet blackouts that have severely limited independent reporting and communication within the country. HRANA’s figures have been widely cited by international media and rights monitors, though Iranian officials have released only limited casualty data.

By Khagan Isayev