Today, January 11, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian took to national TV to accuse the United States and Israel of fueling the recent unrest sweeping the country. He claimed foreign powers are directing "rioters" and arming "terrorists" to destabilize Iran after the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June 2025. 🎥🌍
Pezeshkian urged citizens to steer clear of violent protests and highlighted his government's latest push: a major overhaul of the subsidy system aimed at stabilizing markets, boosting local production, and strengthening supply chain oversight. "We're listening to your voices," he said, promising updates as reforms roll out this year.
Meanwhile, security forces have been busy. On the evening of January 10, police chief Ahmad Reza Radan announced the arrest of key riot organizers. Across the country, around 200 suspected "terrorist leaders and operation commanders" were detained, and a large cache of weapons – including grenades, Molotov cocktails and more – was seized.
Between January 8 and 9, clashes took a tragic toll. Commander Masoud Mossadegh of the Police Special Forces revealed that eight security officers were killed in attacks by armed rioters. Reports from Tehran's fire department added that 26 homes, 34 mosques, 40 banks, 15 shopping malls, and 13 government buildings were damaged in arson attacks. 🔥🏠
The unrest follows a wave of demonstrations triggered by rising prices and a struggling currency. From Tehran to Tabriz, protesters voiced frustration over economic hardship. Many officials, including Pezeshkian, have blamed the United States and Israel for stoking these flames of discontent.
As Iran moves forward with subsidy reforms and market stabilization efforts, the government is calling on all Iranians to unite against chaos and support peaceful solutions. For now, the eyes of the nation remain on both the unfolding reforms and the ongoing security operations. 🤝🇮🇷
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
