Iran's foreign minister labels nationwide unrest a 'terrorist war'

Iran has dramatically shifted its official characterization of the widespread domestic unrest, moving from framing it as civil protest to labeling it an act of external aggression. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted on Monday that the events constitute a "terrorist war" being waged against the nation.

Claims of Foreign Orchestration and Violence

Speaking at a press conference, Araghchi presented what he described as state evidence of a coordinated campaign. "What is happening now is not protests, it is a terrorist war against the country," he stated. The minister claimed Iranian security agencies hold intercepted audio recordings in which voices allegedly direct "terrorist elements" to shoot at both civilians and security personnel.

Allegations of Armed Attacks on State Infrastructure

Beyond targeting individuals, Araghchi accused these groups of launching assaults on the pillars of state authority and public order. He listed government buildings, local police stations, and commercial shops as primary targets. The foreign minister further alleged that authorities have secured photographic evidence showing the distribution of weapons among individuals within the protest crowds.

Context of Regional Tensions

This forceful narrative aligns with a longstanding strategy by Tehran to attribute internal dissent to foreign adversaries, notably the United States, Israel, or rival regional powers. By defining the crisis as a "terrorist war," the government legally and politically justifies a more severe security crackdown and rallies nationalistic sentiment against external threats, potentially diverting attention from underlying domestic grievances fueling the protests.