Nationwide demonstrations took place in Iran on Monday to condemn what they called "riots supported by foreign forces" and oppose a series of interference actions by the United States and Israel.
Tens of thousands of pro-government Iranians gathered in the center of Tehran, waving national flags and chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. They said that the U.S. and Israel used terrorists to create unrests in Iran with the aim of weakening and splitting Iran while seeking their own interests.
"You (the U.S.) claimed that you stand with the people, but in Gaza Strip, you've really showed how you 'stand with the people', as you did in other countries. The people's blood is still on your hands. Your words are like jokes," said one Iranian resident.
"All the U.S. so-called 'negotiations' are frauds. They just want to make Iran unsafe and divided -- just like what they did in Syria and Iraq -- and seek their own interests," said another Iranian resident.
Iranians joining the demonstrations said that they will unite as one in resisting conspiracies and any form of aggression moves by the United States and Israel.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described the gatherings as a stern warning to U.S. politicians to "halt their deceitful actions and stop relying on their traitorous hirelings".
Iran's nationwide demonstrations oppose U.S., Israel interference
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."
Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.
Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.
"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.
The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.
Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM
