Iran's president has lashed out at US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and European powers for allegedly fueling tensions during recent protests that ravaged the country.
According to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, foreign leaders "took advantage" of the nation's problems and "provoked" society by encouraging large groups to take to the streets and inciting fights between people. This, he claimed, created divisions and heightened tensions across Iran.
Pezeshkian stated that during normal protests, individuals wouldn't pick up guns or harm innocent civilians, emphasizing that dialogue with protesters is key to resolving their issues. However, the Iranian authorities reported that thousands of lives were lost in the unrest, citing over 3,000 fatalities from military personnel and bystanders killed by "rioters".
Rights groups have warned that this number may be significantly higher, potentially running into tens of thousands, as they have not been able to account for all victims.
US forces remain in the region with their naval strike group on high alert, with President Trump previously warning Iran that his country would hit it "if necessary".
Iran has offered itself to engage in fair and equitable talks with the US, but stressed that any negotiations cannot take place under threat of military action. Additionally, the US has imposed sanctions against Iranian officials over their alleged roles in a crackdown on protests.
These actions have escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran, leaving concerns about an escalating conflict.
According to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, foreign leaders "took advantage" of the nation's problems and "provoked" society by encouraging large groups to take to the streets and inciting fights between people. This, he claimed, created divisions and heightened tensions across Iran.
Pezeshkian stated that during normal protests, individuals wouldn't pick up guns or harm innocent civilians, emphasizing that dialogue with protesters is key to resolving their issues. However, the Iranian authorities reported that thousands of lives were lost in the unrest, citing over 3,000 fatalities from military personnel and bystanders killed by "rioters".
Rights groups have warned that this number may be significantly higher, potentially running into tens of thousands, as they have not been able to account for all victims.
US forces remain in the region with their naval strike group on high alert, with President Trump previously warning Iran that his country would hit it "if necessary".
Iran has offered itself to engage in fair and equitable talks with the US, but stressed that any negotiations cannot take place under threat of military action. Additionally, the US has imposed sanctions against Iranian officials over their alleged roles in a crackdown on protests.
These actions have escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran, leaving concerns about an escalating conflict.
. The way they're blaming foreign leaders for creating chaos is a big red flag – it feels like they're deflecting from their own government's role in suppressing the protests. I mean, 3,000 fatalities is a staggering number, but rights groups are saying that could be tens of thousands if we include all the people who were killed or injured during the unrest.
The fact that Iran is offering talks, but only on their terms, raises some serious concerns. It feels like they're not really interested in resolving anything with the US – they just want to keep talking about it.
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. And now the US is getting all worked up too 
. Can't we just talk things out like everyone says? It feels like it's always "us vs them" instead of trying to find a solution together 
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. But I do think it's time for some honest communication and compromise. We can't just keep escalating tensions without thinking about the human cost 
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and what about all those rights groups saying maybe the real number of fatalities is way higher we need more info
It's so easy to take sides now and blame everyone else. The fact remains, thousands are dead and tensions are running high. We need some real diplomacy here, not more hot air. 
. I feel so bad for the families of those who were killed and the ones who are still suffering. It's just heartbreaking to think that even when people are trying to express themselves, they're met with violence and oppression.
. I'm all for freedom of speech and protesting but can't we find a way to resolve our differences without all this bloodshed? 
It's just not worth it, you know?
and it's getting worse with each passing day 
like they're trying to spark a full-blown war 
meanwhile Iran is just trying to resolve their issues in peace 
It's not gonna solve anything. Just imagine all those innocent lives lost... it's heartbreaking 
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how can we make sure they stay safe? 
I feel like the world leaders should be more careful with their words, one wrong move could lead to a bigger conflict 
I feel so bad for all those innocent lives lost in Iran's recent unrest 
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. Can't we all just try to understand each other a bit more? 
Have you guys tried oat milk? It's supposed to be really creamy and environmentally friendly. Anyway, back to the news... I wonder if Iran would ever let their protests turn into a music festival like those in Hong Kong 
they're both just trying to play hardball but in the end nobody wins 
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like, iran's president is blaming all these foreign leaders for the whole thing but isn't he one of them? shouldn't he be taking responsibility or something? 
on the other hand, pezeshkian makes this super valid point about dialogue with protesters being key to resolving issues... but what if they're not even listening? 
what's next? war?