ALBAWABA- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Iran’s adversaries, chiefly the United States and Israel, are intensifying efforts to undermine the country amid continuing anti-government protests.
In a televised address, he described the pressure as a “composite war” aimed at both state institutions and society, seeking to exploit economic strains such as inflation and currency depreciation.
Pezeshkian stressed that improving livelihoods must remain the government’s top priority and called for restraint in handling demonstrations, while accusing foreign powers of stoking unrest through “rioters” and “terrorists.”
His remarks followed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who on January 12 referenced the June 2025 U.S.-backed strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and warned Tehran to show “good behavior” to avoid further confrontation.
Iranian officials reiterated that any U.S. aggression would be met with a decisive response, framing it as a defense of national sovereignty.
Tensions escalated further after Trump told CBS News that Washington would take “extreme action” if Iran executes protesters, amid reports that the crackdown has left more than 600 dead.
Trump said his administration aims to “weaken the Iranian regime” and set conditions for renewed nuclear talks, including halting the suppression of protests and surrendering enriched uranium. The stance is an extension of his maximum-pressure campaign, reinforced by recent 25% tariffs on countries trading with Iran.
Amid rising regional tensions, U.S. forces at Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base began partial evacuations as a precaution. At the same time, Israel’s official aircraft, the “Wing of Zion,” flew to Athens, fueling speculation of contingency planning.
