Iran and the 13-Day War

By Akbar Eesa Zadeh
Consul General of Iran

@Karachi

On 28 December 2025, a peaceful protest began in Iran and continued until 8 January 2026. The protest was initiated by various business organizations and was driven by factors such as economic difficulties and a slowdown in commercial activity within the country. During this period, negotiations began between the government and the protesters, and both sides reached an agreement on various economic reforms and their full implementation.

However, between 8 and 10 January, domestic and foreign terrorists fully supported and backed by Western media started riots, violence, and vandalism. These armed terrorists infiltrated the ranks of the protesters and, during this time, opened fire on innocent people while also damaging mosques, government institutions, and public property.

By further escalating killings and chaos, these same terrorist elements created space for intervention by external powers, particularly the United States.

There are numerous credible American and Israeli official statements, as well as undeniable ground realities and evidence, which clearly establish that these terrorist acts were not part of a public protest. Rather, they were a joint conspiracy involving intelligence agencies, media outlets, and the United States and Israel. Under this conspiracy, criminal elements were trained, fully supported, and activated with the aim of destabilizing Iran’s internal security situation and creating an atmosphere of unrest and chaos.

What occurred in Iran during those three days was, in fact, a continuation of the 12-day military aggression carried out by the Israeli state against Iran, fully backed by the United States. The sole objective of this aggression was to undermine Iran’s national security and sovereignty.

These destructive acts were not limited to the loss of life and property of ordinary citizens. Mosques, educational institutions, banks, hospitals, infrastructure, and supermarkets were also damaged. At the same time, security personnel and innocent civilians were martyred. The purpose of these terrorist activities was to harm national security and spread fear and panic among the public. In the next phase, Iranian embassies and other diplomatic missions abroad were also attacked actions that constitute a blatant violation of the Vienna Conventions of 1961 and 1963.

Credible official statements by American and Israeli officials, Israel’s support for these riots, and threats of using force against Iran represent clear violations of international law. Under Article 2, Clause 4 of the United Nations Charter, interference in the internal affairs of any country and threats of the use of force are strictly prohibited. In this context, the threatening language used by the U.S. President against Iran’s Supreme Leader, who is considered the country’s highest authority is an unacceptable act and a clear example of interference in Iran’s internal affairs and disregard for the status and dignity of a nation’s top leadership.

On Monday, 12 January 2026, a massive nationwide public rally held in Iran against foreign interference clearly demonstrated to the world the Iranian nation’s resolve, national unity, loyalty to the state system, and commitment to maintaining peace and order.

Measures Taken by the Iranian Government at the Domestic and Legal Levels to Protect the Rights of the Iranian Nation

At the Domestic Level:

Listening to citizens’ protests and objections, ensuring that their legitimate demands are addressed in accordance with legal requirements, and taking necessary steps to reduce economic difficulties and maintain law and order.

Conducting a thorough investigation into the causes and factors behind this crisis, preventing their recurrence, and assuring all possible assistance and compensation to the affected individuals.

Raising awareness about the foreign conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the country and clarifying that the primary cause of the economic crisis is the illegal and unilateral U.S. sanctions against the Iranian nation rightly described as America’s economic aggression against Iran.

Supporting a small group of anti-system elements in Iran, waging psychological warfare and propaganda, threatening military action against Iran, and fueling internal terrorist unrest are all components of the joint U.S.-Israeli aggression against Iran.

Educating the public about the role of foreign media and the ongoing media war.

At the Legal and International Level:

Adopting more effective diplomacy and documenting U.S. and Israeli interference and hostile actions in Iran’s internal affairs to present them at international forums.

Filing legal cases in relevant domestic and international institutions to strongly condemn all terrorist acts, foreign interference, and incitement against Iran’s national security, sovereignty, and political system, so as to prevent such actions from being granted legal legitimacy at the international level.

Drawing the attention of the international community to unilateral, illegal, and inhumane measures against the Iranian nation, particularly economic sanctions.

At present, Iran’s police, intelligence agencies, and security forces have fully brought the situation under control, and law and order have been restored across the country. Communication restrictions have also been lifted.

Throughout its history marked by many ups and downs the Iranian nation has repeatedly demonstrated wisdom, relied on its true Islamic and Iranian heritage, and, through national unity and solidarity, resolutely confronted all forms of foreign interference and conspiracies. It has safeguarded national sovereignty, freedom, and independence in the face of the deceitful policies and hostility of the United States and Israel.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has been great and powerful and will always remain so, God willing (InshAllah)