Iran vows zero tolerance for saboteurs

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has vowed that security forces and the judiciary will show no leniency towards what it described as “saboteurs,” amid ongoing unrest in the country.

According to Iranian media, the council stated on Friday (January 9) that although the protests initially arose from market instability, they were later influenced by foreign powers, Caliber.Az reports.

It accused Israel, with support from the United States, of seeking to create insecurity in Iran.

“The presence of security and law enforcement forces is to prevent insecurity in the country,” the statement said, adding that these forces were working alongside the public to counter what it called foreign-backed plots.

The council emphasised: “Security forces and the judiciary will show no leniency toward saboteurs.”

Mass protests continue across Iran, escalating into clashes with security forces. The unrest began on December 28 when Tehran market traders demonstrated against a sharp fall in the national currency, but has since spread nationwide, with demonstrations reported in all 31 provinces.

On January 9, videos circulating online showed a building of the state broadcaster IRIB in Isfahan set on fire. In Tehran, protesters chanted slogans calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the return of exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi.

Pahlavi expressed gratitude to President Trump for reaffirming support for holding Iran’s regime accountable, urging the international community to help restore communications after the government cut internet, landline, and possibly satellite signals.

By Aghakazim Guliyev