Commander of Iran's National Police Ahmad-Reza Radan stated on state television on 19/1: "Youth who accidentally participated in riots are considered deceived individuals, not enemies."

He added, "If those incited by evil individuals surrender within three days, they could receive significantly lighter sentences."

Earlier that day, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, head of Iran's judiciary, pledged swift and timely processing for cases related to violent protests to ensure deterrence, asserting that any delays would not be accepted.

The protests started on 28/12/2025, sparked by merchants' dissatisfaction with Iran's economic situation and the devaluing rial. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations quickly escalated into deadly violence.

This period is considered the worst instability in the Middle Eastern nation in many years. Iranian authorities accused Israeli and US agents of "inciting violence and directing the situation on the ground" to destabilize the country. Washington and Tel Aviv did not comment on the information.

Tasnim news agency last weekend quoted security sources as saying about 3,000 people were arrested in connection with the protests, while human rights groups claim the number could reach 20,000.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 17/1 affirmed that Iran would avoid escalating the situation, but warned that those behind the wave of violent protests would face consequences. "We will not drag the country into war, but we will not let domestic or foreign criminals escape justice," he said.

Iran has not released casualty figures related to the protests. However, Khamenei accused "those connected to Israel and the US of causing great damage and killing several thousand people."

Commander of Iran's National Police Ahmad-Reza Radan. *Photo: IRNA*.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, AP)