The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pretoria on Wednesday strongly opposed any form of military intervention against Iran, following recent domestic unrest.

In a statement, the embassy sought to clarify recent events, reaffirm the government’s approach, and address what it described as mischaracterisations in external commentary.

“On December 28, 2025, following temporary foreign exchange fluctuations, sector-specific gatherings occurred in several parts of Iran, including the Tehran Bazaar, reflecting economic concerns related to currency volatility and its impact on market stability and purchasing power,” the statement said.

“These gatherings were largely peaceful and demand-focused. The government recognises such expressions as a legitimate form of civic participation, emphasising dialogue and engagement.”

The embassy said that while most participants acted peacefully, a small number of individuals engaged in acts of terrorism, including attacks on law enforcement facilities, use of incendiary devices, and in some cases firearms.

“These violent acts were clearly distinct from the legitimate economic demands of peaceful protesters and were neither supported nor endorsed by the broader population,” it said. 

“Such actions fall entirely outside the scope of protected peaceful assembly under international human rights law.”

The statement added that no state can tolerate armed violence, destruction of property, or threats to public safety. 

“Authorities acted to contain such incidents in accordance with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and restraint,” it said.

The embassy also criticised foreign statements on Iran’s internal developments, describing them as “irresponsible and interventionist.”

“Remarks by certain foreign officials, particularly when accompanied by threats or inflammatory rhetoric, are inconsistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty and non-intervention,” it said.

It singled out US President Donald Trump and his statements alongside Israeli leaders.

The statement referred to the previous remarks by former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, which it said acknowledged Mossad operatives operating inside Iran, calling this “a clear admission of foreign intelligence involvement and unlawful interference in Iran’s internal affairs.”

According to the embassy, confessions from detained individuals revealed plans to fabricate civilian casualties to push the US toward military intervention. 

“Detainees stated they had been given a mandate to shoot people in the head and carry out beheadings,” it said.

“These actions transformed what began as a peaceful civic gathering into a violent assault on society, resulting in destruction of public and private property and the killing of innocent people,” the statement said.

The embassy condemned Trump’s portrayal of himself as a saviour of Iranians. 

“During the 12-day war and the period preceding it, his actions contributed to the loss of Iranian lives, while US sanctions have significantly intensified economic hardship for ordinary Iranians,” it said.

The embassy underscored Iran’s sovereignty.

“The Iranian people are fully capable of addressing their concerns through national institutions and lawful mechanisms, free from external pressure or interference.”

“This was the primary message conveyed to the world by the millions who took to the streets on Monday, January 12, 2026. Iranians do not allow anyone to interfere in their internal affairs.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

Source link