On 26/1, the intelligence unit of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that "terrorist incidents" – Tehran's description of recent protests – were part of a US and Israeli plot to undermine Iran's territorial integrity and national identity.

The unit reported that an "enemy command center" was established immediately after a "12-day war" in 6/2025, referring to an alleged attack by Israel and the US on Iran. This center involved 10 hostile intelligence agencies.

The plan aimed to incite domestic riots, combined with foreign intervention, to create an existential threat to Iran. The IRGC intelligence unit declared that this plot "was defeated thanks to the vigilance of Iranian security forces and the cooperation of the people."

As part of its counter-operation, the IRGC's intelligence unit arrested 735 individuals linked to anti-security networks. It also summoned 11,000 people considered susceptible to incitement, seized 743 illegal firearms, and identified 46 individuals with connections to foreign intelligence agencies.

Protesters burn tires on a street in Iran's capital Tehran on 9/1. Photo: Tasnim

The agency accused foreign political and security officials of directly supporting the enemy's plot. This support included: spreading violence, allowing terrorists to exploit public gatherings, using social media to incite violence, and deploying organized criminal groups to cause high casualties among both civilians and security forces.

Protests in Iran began in late 12/2025, stemming from merchants' dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the rial's depreciation. Initially peaceful, they quickly escalated into deadly violence from 8/1. This violence caused extensive damage to state and private property, with many shops, government agencies, and public service facilities harmed.

On 21/1, Iranian officials reported a total of 3,117 deaths during the weeks-long protests, including 2,427 security personnel and civilians. Many of these deaths were attributed to "organized terrorist elements." Iran's Prosecutor General, Mohammad Movahedi, declared the "rebellion has ended" on the same day, vowing severe punishment for those behind the protests.

Iranian officials further accused US and Israeli intelligence agencies of direct involvement, providing funding, training, and media support to rioters and armed terrorists who infiltrated the protests.

By Huyen Le (Press TV, AFP)