Internal Protests in Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Israel of attempting to draw the United States into a war. He made this claim while commenting on the recent domestic unrest within Iran. The protests, which erupted in the final week of December 2025 due to a severe economic crisis and the collapse of the national currency, have resulted in an estimated 12,000 casualties, according to Araghchi.
The minister further alleged that externally controlled terrorist elements were involved in the violence, opening fire on police forces during the demonstrations. These comments come amid a long-standing strategic rivalry between Iran and Israel, which often plays out through regional proxies.
Ballistic Missiles and Nuclear Program
Araghchi affirmed the priority of ballistic missiles for Iran, stating the country's missile capability now 'far exceeds' its pre-conflict level from June 2025. He emphasized that ballistic missiles represent a 'defensive tool and the most reliable element of protection.'
"We can guarantee the peaceful nature of our nuclear program, guarantee that it will remain peaceful forever." - Abbas Araghchi
The 'Midnight Hammer' operation in 2025 caused significant damage to Iranian uranium enrichment facilities. Araghchi suggested this sabotage may have contributed to the higher protest death toll, claiming external forces aimed to 'increase the number of deaths' during the mass unrest.
Consequently, the situation in Iran remains tense, with the government continuing to defend its positions both domestically and on the international stage.
The protests highlight deep-seated socio-economic problems that have persisted for years. Internal turmoil, compounded by external pressure, could have serious implications not only for Iran's stability but for regional security as a whole. The foreign minister's statements underscore the government's readiness for confrontation with external actors, a stance that risks further escalating regional tensions.