Tehran, January 2026 — The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has defended its handling of recent protests triggered by economic pressures, insisting that peaceful demonstrations have been respected while warning that violent acts will be dealt with firmly under the law.
In a detailed statement issued in January, Iranian authorities said the unrest began on Sunday, December 28, 2025, after a sharp increase in foreign exchange rates prompted sector-based protest gatherings by some traders in the Tehran Bazaar. The demonstrations, according to the government, were driven by economic concerns, particularly the impact of currency volatility on trade, purchasing power and livelihoods.
Authorities said the initial gatherings were peaceful, professional and demand-driven, with protesters calling for market stability and effective measures to curb exchange rate fluctuations. They stressed that participants sought to express their grievances calmly and without disrupting public order.
Iran reaffirmed its commitment to the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, citing its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and guarantees enshrined in the country’s Constitution and domestic laws. The government said it neither opposes nor restricts peaceful assemblies in law or practice and has long provided the legal framework necessary for citizens to exercise these rights.
“All authorities and institutions give due attention to the peaceful and lawful demands of protesters and will utilize all available mechanisms to address them,” the statement said.
However, the government drew a sharp distinction between peaceful protest and what it described as riots or violent acts, saying it has a legal obligation to protect public security and the rights of others. Officials reported that while many demonstrations remained peaceful, some were exploited by a small number of individuals who, allegedly with foreign backing, escalated events into violent and, in some cases, armed clashes with law-enforcement forces.
Authorities cited attacks on police stations, the use of Molotov cocktails and firearms, and destruction of public property as examples of conduct that falls outside the protection of peaceful assembly under international human rights law. Such acts, the government said, endangered lives and undermined the legitimate demands of protesters.
The distinction between peaceful protest and violence was reiterated by Iran’s Supreme Leader in remarks delivered on January 3, 2026, in which he said protest was justified and officials must engage with protesters, but those seeking destruction and insecurity under the pretext of protests must be confronted.
The President has directed the Ministry of Interior to conduct a comprehensive review of all incidents related to the unrest, with the stated aim of ensuring transparency, accountability and respect for fair trial guarantees. At the same time, the government said it has taken steps to address underlying economic concerns, including implementing support packages for vulnerable groups and holding consultative meetings with guilds, bazaar unions and business representatives to ease market tensions.
On the conduct of security forces, authorities said law-enforcement officers acted with restraint, in line with principles of legality, necessity and proportionality, while seeking to restore order and minimize harm.
The statement also devoted significant attention to what Iran described as foreign interference. It strongly condemned comments by Israeli and United States officials on Iran’s internal affairs, accusing them of incitement to violence and violations of the United Nations Charter, particularly principles of sovereignty and non-intervention. Tehran pointed to past incidents, including military threats and sanctions, as evidence of longstanding hostility toward Iran and its people.
Iran further blamed unilateral coercive measures for exacerbating economic pressures, saying sanctions have restricted financial resources, disrupted trade and harmed the economic and social rights of ordinary citizens.
In conclusion, the government reiterated that it fully respects and guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and expression, while maintaining its responsibility to protect life, property and public order. It said documented reports on the handling of the protests would be made available to the international community and reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and lawful mechanisms to address economic and social grievances.
Iran also urged international officials to make balanced and comprehensive statements that reflect all relevant realities and to avoid actions or rhetoric that could inflame violence or destabilise the situation further.
