Iranian President Pezeshkian urges unity as US intensifies economic pressure

Tehran officials have warned that foreign adversaries are seeking to exploit growing public dissatisfaction in Iran by stoking domestic unrest. The statement, issued by the Ministry of Interior on Monday, came as authorities recorded a surge in demonstrations over economic hardships, water shortages and perceived political repression in several provinces. According to the ministry, intelligence reports indicate coordinated campaigns by hostile states and non‑state actors aimed at amplifying grievances through social media, clandestine funding of protest groups and the dissemination of disinformation.

The government has pledged to tighten security measures and increase surveillance of online platforms to counter what it describes as an external attempt to destabilize the country. While acknowledging the legitimacy of some citizens’ concerns, officials emphasized that any escalation of protests would be met with decisive action to preserve public order. The warning reflects Tehran’s broader narrative that internal challenges are being manipulated by outside forces, a claim that has been reiterated in recent speeches by senior officials and in state media commentary.