Iran’s FM says US, Israel involved in protests

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on January 9 accused the United States and Israel of being involved in the protests in Iran. 

Speaking in Beirut, Araghchi claimed that Washington and Israel had openly acknowledged involvement in the demonstrations, pointing to a social media post by former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media. 

“The US and Israel have announced that they are involved in these demonstrations,” Araghchi said, referring to Pompeo’s post in which he wrote: “Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.”

Araghchi also rejected rumors that his family had left Iran.

“My family has not gone anywhere. They are in Tehran,” he said.

He added that the prospect of foreign military intervention amid the unrest was low.

“The possibility of military intervention in Iran at the same time as these protests is unlikely,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli