Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered security forces not to take any security measures against peaceful demonstrators amidst ongoing nationwide protests. Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah stated today that the president issued the directive, emphasizing the distinction between legitimate protesters and those engaging in violence.

"Those carrying guns, knives, weapons, and those attacking police stations and military sites are rioters. We must distinguish between protesters and rioters," Ghaempanah added, highlighting the government's stance on the demonstrations.

The wave of protests erupted in Iran on 28/12, initially driven by small traders in the capital Tehran who went on strike to voice their discontent over economic stagnation and rising prices. The movement quickly expanded, spreading to other regions across Iran and drawing participation from students.

Iranian protesters on the streets of Tehran on 29/12. *Photo: AFP*.

The protests have shown no signs of abating since their inception. Iranian human rights groups previously reported that at least 25 people had died in the demonstrations, with over 1,000 arrests made. However, Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures, though they confirmed at least two security force members died and dozens were injured.

On 6/1, witnesses reported that security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters sitting at the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and most important historical market in the capital Tehran. This incident underscores the escalating tensions between demonstrators and authorities.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei acknowledged the initial peaceful protests by small traders as "legitimate," but asserted that "troublemakers must be punished." Internationally, US President Donald Trump said the US was closely monitoring the situation in Iran, warning Tehran would face "heavy blows" from Washington if more protesters died in the country.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)