To provide clarity on the situation and the Iranian Government’s perspective, the Sunday Observer spoke with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alireza Delkhosh.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Delkhosh addressed the initial causes of the demonstrations, the role of foreign interference, and the Government’s response. He also shed light on the real sentiments of the Iranian people, ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy, and the broader implications for international relations, including Iran’s ties with Sri Lanka.
Excerpts
Q: What were the initial causes of the protests that began on December 28?
A: Iran has been subjected to some of the most severe international sanctions for nearly five decades. These sanctions have restricted the import of medicines and essential goods into the country, and have even limited Iran’s ability to engage in trade with other nations. In some cases, foreign Governments have threatened to impose sanctions on other countries that continue to trade with Iran.
For example, just recently, a 25 percent tariff was threatened by the US on countries trading with Iran.
It is, therefore, natural and understandable that such restrictive measures have contributed to economic difficulties within the country. These challenges were among the factors that led people to take to the streets on December 28 to express their dissatisfaction with the economic situation.
The protesters voiced their concerns and presented specific demands. The Iranian Government responded promptly, taking measures to address the issues raised. Importantly, these initial protests were carried out in a peaceful manner.
Q: What were the genuine economic grievances raised by the protesters?
A: The specific reason was the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial. Prior to the demonstrations, the exchange rate stood at around 130 Rials to one euro. However, it fell rapidly to nearly 170 Rials to the euro, causing serious concern among market participants.
As goods are purchased in Rials, the sudden depreciation led to sharp price increases, particularly for essential items.
In response, traders and economic actors took to the streets to urge the Government to stabilise the exchange rate and address the rising cost of living.
Q: What solutions did the Government of Iran implement at the time?
A: In response to the demonstrations, President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed the establishment of a special committee to engage directly with key market stakeholders and listen to their concerns. The Government also issued immediate directives to ports and customs authorities to facilitate and fast-track the import of essential goods in order to stabilise supply.
Also, the Central Bank was instructed to inject additional foreign currency into the market to help curb volatility in the exchange rate. Several other complementary measures were introduced with the aim of easing market pressures and restoring economic stability.
Q: But since then we have witnessed some violent scenes in the international media. What factors caused these demonstrations to escalate so severely?
A: As I said, protests began in Iran on December 28, largely due to economicrelated issues. These demonstrations were initially acknowledged by the Government of Iran, which took several important decisions to address the concerns raised by the protesters. However, the situation gradually deteriorated when certain groups began to hijack the demonstrations to threaten the peace and stability of Iran.
We have clear, documented evidence that foreign intelligence services entered various cities in Iran. According to this evidence, they engaged in acts of violence, including the destruction of public buildings, the setting on fire of public vehicles such as buses and ambulances, as well as civilian and private sector vehicles. They also opened fire on police officers and Iranian security forces.
As a result, some sections of the media misinterpreted these incidents, claiming that the Iranian Government was attempting to impose restrictions on protesters. This is absolutely untrue. We have clear documentation showing that certain foreign countries and intelligence services were involved in hijacking the protests and turning them violent.
We have also obtained audio recordings indicating that foreign intelligence operatives instructed individuals to attack buildings, set them on fire and even kill people.
This involvement is evident from public statements made on social media. Former US President Donald Trump, through Twitter, openly encouraged people to take over government institutions and set buildings on fire.
Former US Secretary of State and former CIA Director Mike Pompeo also publicly said that he congratulated the Iranian people and referred to Mossad intelligence services being present on the streets of Iran, which, in our view, clearly points to foreign involvement in the unrest.
Q: Has the Government determined how these demonstrations were manipulated or intensified by outside influences?
A: The protests unfolded in several distinct stages. From December 28 to 31, Stage One, the demonstrations were largely peaceful. As is typical in democratic societies, these protests involved mainly bazaar merchants, trade guilds, and other economic actors. The Government engaged promptly with representatives of these groups, listened to their concerns, and implemented economic measures to address them. During this stage, protests remained peaceful and constructive dialogue prevailed.
Stage Two which started from January 1 to 7, new elements became involved, and the protests began to escalate towards violence. The Security Forces acted with restraint to prevent further escalation. While the situation remained largely under control, the changing dynamics indicated early signs of external interference.
Between January 8 and 10, armed and terrorist elements appeared at protest sites, targeting both police and civilians. The apparent goal of these actors was to increase casualties and provoke foreign intervention, particularly from the United States and portray it as being requested by Iranians. It is important to note that inviting a foreign power to attack a sovereign nation is unacceptable in any country. Will Sri Lankan citizens invite a foreign power to attack it?
Evidence indicates that these violent actions were directed from abroad, with involvement by the United States and Israel. Documentation of these findings has been submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Israeli media also confirmed that Mossad operatives, fluent in Persian, were active in Tehran during this period.
Former CIA Director Mike Pompeo and other external figures publicly commented on the events, tweeting support for protesters while acknowledging the presence of foreign operatives. Iranian authorities said that those responsible for orchestrating violence against ordinary citizens must be held accountable.
Iran describes this period as a continuation of what it calls the “12-day war against Iran,” with January 8–10 representing the 13th day of attacks. Certain Western think tanks, including the Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD), recommended measures to escalate pressure, encourage defections, and exploit divisions within Iran. Publicly reported recommendations included, deterrence through limited military operations, targeting police and security infrastructure, including drones and other tools, escalating financial, cyber, and covert pressure, creating the perception that the country has reached a breaking point, encouraging defections within the Armed Forces by offering amnesty and safeguarding personal assets and exploiting violence to widen rifts among state officials.
The Iranian authorities said that these actors often ignore other international crises, such as the killing of 70 000 civilians in Gaza, while criticising Iran’s response and now shedding crocodile tears for terroris.
From January 10, the Security Forces regained control of the situation. Many armed individuals were apprehended while carrying weapons, and their confessions are expected to be released officially. The restoration of order was essential to protect civilians and maintain stability. Iran recognises the right of citizens to protest peacefully. However, no country can tolerate riots, arson, terrorism, or attacks on civilians and law enforcement personnel.
Q: Can the Iranian Government confirm the presence of foreign intelligence agents operating inside Iran?
A: We have received credible information indicating that such elements were present in Iran even before the protests began. This includes both foreign nationals and a small number of Iranians who were recruited or paid to participate in violent activities.
We are in possession of specific intelligence, including evidence of financial inducements for example, offers of up to Euro 500 for the killing of an individual, as well as payments proposed for carrying out other violent acts. We have detailed records identifying who made these payments and who received them.
Q: Who are the foreign intelligence agencies involved as you claim?
A: Mossad. We clearly know they are involved in this incident from the public information we have received but also because of Pompeo’s tweet. A person who was arrested admitted to meeting Mossad agents and receiving money. We have all the evidence. Iran shares borders with 15 countries, making complete control over its borders a challenging task.
Q: You mentioned the connection of various foreign elements in the protests. Do you think Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran has any part to play in it as well?
A: He is not regarded as a serious or influential figure by Iranian Opposition groups. The people have no political objections to the Government. Some parties are attempting to portray these protests as being driven by their actions, but that is not accurate. The primary cause of the demonstrations was economic pressure.
Q: What are the real number of casualties from the protests?
A: At this stage, we do not have the exact figures for those who lost their lives, including both civilians and police officers who were martyred. Some numbers are available, but they are not final, as many remain injured and are still receiving treatment. We expect to provide accurate and verified casualty figures in the coming days.
Q: In your estimation what is the probability of a US strike on Iran?
A: Under international law, no country has the right to attack another state on the basis of political disagreement. Yet former U.S. President Donald Trump has openly threatened action against Iran simply because he seeks to impose his demands, which Iran has rejected while calling instead for negotiations on an equal footing.
Prior to 2025, Iran was engaged in negotiations with the United States. However, in the midst of those talks, Iran was attacked. Such actions have no legal justification under international law. Unfortunately, Trump has demonstrated little regard for international norms, often resorting to impulsive statements on Twitter.
If he is to make the mistake of attacking Iran we will not ignore it. We will defend. We have shown our capabilities in 2025. Our defences are stronger than before. We have many options. Our regional neighbours will have to remain vigilant as if the US does attack Iran, then US bases in the neighbourhood will be our target.
Q: Will Iran expect military support from other countries if attacked by the United States?
A: Russia and China, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, do not align with the United States on this issue. This week, the Russian representative at the UN took a strong position, stating that the United States must refrain from invading Iran and warning against any such move.
Given this opposition, it is highly unlikely that the United States would secure consensus from the UN Security Council for an attack on Iran. However, it must be made clear that Iran does not depend on any other country for its defence. We rely on our own capabilities. We are Iran, and we will defend ourselves. We do not rely on others to protect our sovereignty.
Q: How would you describe the genuine sentiments of the Iranian people?
A: According to the latest survey, over 80 percent of Iranian citizens call for an end to the unrest, while more than 70 percent believe foreign interference is the main cause. Only 30 percent attribute the disturbances to economic issues.
On January 12, following several days of unrest that claimed the lives of dozens of civilians and police officers, citizens across the country rallied in support of the Government and to denounce terrorists and their foreign sponsors.
On that day, people took to the streets to urge the Government to apprehend those responsible for the violence. They separated themselves as peaceful protesters who simply voiced their demands and violent groups, who acted as terrorists rather than genuine demonstrators.
It is important to note that no peaceful civilian protesters carried weapons. The attacks that resulted in deaths targeted police and civilians, often from behind, according to official reports. Such actions, carried out with the intent to maximise casualties, were designed to create the impression that ordinary Iranians were being killed, in the hope of prompting foreign intervention.
We want to make it absolutely clear, no Iranian citizen wishes for a foreign invasion. Those calling for outside countries to attack Iran are not truly Iranian, they do not represent the Iranian people.
Q: Iran has presented its concerns to the UN. What expectations does Iran have from international organisations?
A: Our Foreign Minister has written to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, calling for an end to intelligence operations conducted within other sovereign states. While our expectations remain limited, given past experiences of international inaction, particularly in response to the Gaza crisis we have acted in accordance with international norms. Through this communication, we have urged the United Nations to take steps to prevent the United States and Israel from violating the sovereignty of other countries and to discourage the deployment of agents involved in assassinations or in inciting violence abroad.
Q: In your opinion how will any further international tariffs impact the trade ties between Sri Lanka and Iran?
A: Relations between Iran and Sri Lanka are strong and longstanding, and they will not be affected by decisions of this nature. Iran remains one of the main importers of Sri Lankan tea, and we intend to continue these imports. While I am not in a position to comment on the Sri Lankan Government’s perspective, I am confident that Sri Lanka is fully aware of the importance of preserving its historic and friendly relations with major partner countries such as Iran.
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