Iran envoy links protests to foreign interference

Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Golamreza Mahdavi Raja, has said recent unrest in his country was partly driven by foreign-backed groups seeking to destabilise the Islamic Republic. In an OpEd sent to Daily Trust, the envoy said that the protests in several Iranian cities were initially triggered by economic grievances and dissatisfaction with living conditions. He […]

Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Golamreza Mahdavi Raja, has said recent unrest in his country was partly driven by foreign-backed groups seeking to destabilise the Islamic Republic.

In an OpEd sent to Daily Trust, the envoy said that the protests in several Iranian cities were initially triggered by economic grievances and dissatisfaction with living conditions.

He noted that “expressing such demands through lawful and peaceful means is a legitimate right of citizens.”

However, he warned that developments on the ground showed that “in some cases, these protests were diverted from their original path and escalated into unrest shaped by hidden agendas and foreign interference.”

Raja stressed that Iran’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, adding that the government had introduced economic support measures, expanded social welfare, and implemented reforms to ease pressures. “Emphasis on dialogue and engagement with the public reflects the belief that lasting stability can only be achieved through constructive communication and responsible policy,” he said.

The ambassador accused “certain hostile states, together with organised terrorist groups backed by them,” of fuelling insecurity and violent clashes.

He said evidence suggested that these actions were coordinated inside Iran to transform peaceful protests into instability.

“Such threats and interventions, regardless of any political pretext or verbal framing, are absolutely prohibited under international law,” he said, citing provisions of the UN Charter and General Assembly Resolution 2625 of 1970.

He added that Iranian security institutions, with the support of citizens, had thwarted “so‑called targeted and organised plots,” demonstrating unity and resilience.

Raja specifically blamed the United States and Israel for pursuing “hostile policies, explicit threats, and interventionist actions” through sanctions and support for destabilising groups. “These actors have pursued objectives that stand in clear contradiction to international law, norms, and treaties, while undermining regional and domestic stability,” he said.

The envoy reiterated Iran’s position that protecting citizens’ rights while safeguarding public order and national security are inseparable principles.