Iran's Speaker warns of foreign interference in local protests

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf addressed lawmakers, urging a clear distinction between lawful protests and actions by individuals linked to foreign intelligence services.

He emphasised that national leaders highlight the importance of dialogue with protesters and recognising their legitimate demands, while the government focuses on restoring economic stability, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

The speaker noted that the government is fully committed to addressing public concerns and expressed hope that upcoming measures will meet legitimate demands. At the same time, he cautioned that those connected, directly or indirectly, to foreign intelligence services—whose aim is to hijack protests and incite unrest—must be dealt with carefully and effectively to maintain public security and social stability. 

He stressed that throughout history, the Iranian people have confronted mercenaries and traitors, and despite the deployment of extensive intelligence, security, and media resources by adversaries, they will once again be defeated.

Iran is experiencing its largest wave of unrest since 2022, triggered in late December 2025 by a sharp fall in the rial and surging inflation that has driven up food and basic goods prices, prompting shopkeepers, students and workers to take to the streets across many cities.

Protesters’ grievances now span economic hardship, government corruption and calls for political change, with demonstrations and strikes recorded in dozens of locations despite a heavy security crackdown.

The government has responded with a mix of concessions (such as a central bank leadership change) and strong warnings against “rioters,” while international sanctions, currency collapse and prior conflicts have compounded public frustration.

By Jeyhun Aghazada