Iran continues to face unrest for a thirteenth consecutive day, with authorities confronting foreign-backed violent groups seeking to destabilize the country and undermine national security.

Officials emphasized that while economic concerns initially sparked demonstrations, organized armed elements and terrorist networks have since attempted to hijack the situation, turning peaceful gatherings into violent confrontations.

According to Iranian state media, several provinces have witnessed attacks targeting both civilians and security personnel. Incidents have included brutal assaults reminiscent of ISIS tactics, such as the burning alive of a security officer in Fars province and the tragic killing of a three-year-old girl in Kermanshah after rioters opened fire in crowded areas. Six people were also reported killed in Hamedan due to rioter violence and widespread vandalism.

Security confrontations were reported in Tehran, Qom, North Khorasan, Lorestan, and Ilam provinces, where armed rioters attacked police, government institutions, and public property. The prosecutor of Esfarayen and several security personnel were reported killed amid the chaos. In a particularly shocking act, rioters set fire to a religious shrine in Dezful, drawing widespread public outrage.

Iranian authorities stress that the violence is neither spontaneous nor purely domestic. Officials accuse the United States and Israel of directly fueling the unrest through intelligence operations, media manipulation, digital warfare, and coordination with sabotage networks. Iranian security forces, including the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), announced the arrest of several Mossad-linked operatives allegedly working to recruit youths, fabricate incidents for foreign media, and spread fear.

Authorities also uncovered coordinated attempts to wage psychological warfare online. Forty individuals were arrested in Tehran for using artificial intelligence tools to create deepfake videos and misleading content aimed at portraying Iran as descending into chaos. Officials say these operations were part of a broader effort to manufacture a false narrative and incite violence.

The unrest initially began after economic pressures worsened due to years of illegal U.S. sanctions designed to cripple Iran’s economy. Rising inflation and frustration in business sectors led to demonstrations, which Iran’s government publicly acknowledged as legitimate expressions of hardship. In response to public concerns, Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin resigned to pave the way for new economic leadership and stabilization policies.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed citizens’ right to peaceful protest while condemning Washington’s ongoing “economic war” and Israel’s involvement in subversive activities. Officials say the U.S. and Israel are attempting to convert economic grievances into violent unrest and regime-change efforts, continuing a long-standing campaign against Iran’s independence.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the United States and Israel openly admit to interfering in Iranian internal affairs, attempting to turn demonstrations into violent movements after their previous military provocations failed. Iranian leaders reaffirm that the nation will not tolerate mercenaries or terrorist elements acting on behalf of foreign powers.

Iran’s government has called on families to protect their children from being manipulated by hostile networks and urged citizens to report suspicious activities to help safeguard the country. Authorities stressed that most Iranians reject violence and foreign meddling, standing firm in defense of national unity, sovereignty, and stability.

Despite ongoing challenges, Iran’s leadership says the nation remains resilient, determined to protect its people, and committed to addressing legitimate economic concerns while preventing enemies from exploiting the situation to weaken the Islamic Republic. (ILKHA)