The Iranian government has reclassified the ongoing protests in the country as organized violence and sabotage rather than peaceful demonstrations. At a high-level meeting on Tuesday in Tehran, the foreign ministry summoned ambassadors from the UK, Germany, Italy, and France, alleging that various groups have orchestrated violence under the guise of protests, destabilizing the country's security.
This information was shared via an official Twitter handle, referencing documented footage shown to the ambassadors by the foreign ministry.
The Twitter post indicated that the footage presented to the ambassadors included scenes of organized sabotage, violence, and damage to public property, which the Iranian foreign ministry described as 'beyond the scope of peaceful protest'.
The ministry urged the ambassadors to convey these clips to their respective foreign ministers and requested the retraction of official statements or declarations of support for the protestors that had been made in previous days.
The ministry made it clear that 'any political or media support' is viewed as 'clear interference' in Iran's internal affairs, compromising the nation's internal security.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
The call to summon ambassadorial officials occurs as demonstrations continue across parts of Iran. Notably, recent weeks have seen numerous foreign nations make positive remarks backing the protestors, drawing the ire of the Tehran administration.
A foreign ministry spokesperson stated that while they endorse peaceful protest, elements that resort to violence, vandalism, and harm to government property are seen as adversaries of the state.
Violence Under the Guise of Protest...
Iranian media and official statements consistently highlight that some groups involved in the protests have engaged in planned violence, arson, and sabotage, aiming to instigate nationwide instability. Analysts suggest the government is emphasizing this angle for two reasons: firstly, to frame local demonstrations as issues of internal security by focusing on foreign relations; and secondly, to portray any elements of dissent, no matter how small, as armed and systematically violent groups.
