Zelenskyy backs calls for change in Iran as unrest deepens

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced support for political change in Iran, saying the current system, which he said has been in place for many years and has been responsible for large numbers of deaths, should not continue to exist. 

He also linked his remarks to Europe, saying change was needed there as well and that the bloodshed triggered by Russia and still being prolonged by Moscow must be brought to an end, Caliber.Az reports.

We support the position on Iran: A regime that has lasted so many years and killed so many people does not deserve to exist. Changes are needed.
Changes are also needed in Europe—the bloodshed that Russia started and is the only one still prolonging must come to an end. pic.twitter.com/GHIjGj0jCM

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 13, 2026

His comments come as Iran is facing its most serious wave of unrest in years. Protests have spread across the country since December 28, 2025, beginning at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar after the national currency plunged amid growing economic pressure.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, about 2,000 people have been killed and more than 16,000 detained in the crackdown so far, although other sources suggest the real toll could be higher. Iran International, the opposition television network, reported on January 13 that its information points to roughly 12,000 deaths. A Washington-based source with contacts inside Iran told CBS News that a credible informant placed the toll between 10,000 and 12,000.

Tensions have also risen sharply between Tehran and Washington. Iranian officials have warned that any US military strike would make American forces and Israel legitimate targets. In response, US President Donald Trump has said the United States would retaliate with overwhelming force.

By Sabina Mammadli