Iran summons EU envoys, condemns foreign support for protests

Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned the ambassadors of four major European nations on Monday, sharply criticizing what it termed their governments' unacceptable support for recent protests within the country. The diplomatic rebuke targeted the envoys from Britain, Germany, France, and Italy, according to reports from Iranian state media.

Presentation of Evidence and Demands

During the meetings in Tehran, Iranian officials presented video footage which they asserted depicted violent acts occurring during the unrest. They argued these actions transcended peaceful protest and constituted organized sabotage. The diplomats were asked to convey this material directly to their home capitals and to urge their governments to formally withdraw statements expressing support for the demonstrators.

The Principle of Non-Interference

Iran's central contention, as communicated to the ambassadors, is that any foreign political or media backing for the protests represents a clear violation of national sovereignty. Tehran stated unequivocally that such support is seen as "unacceptable interference" in Iran's internal affairs and a matter of national security. The summons followed provocative acts abroad, including a protest in London where the flag at Iran's embassy was replaced with a former monarchist emblem.

Scale of the Unrest

The protests, initially sparked by severe economic grievances including the Iranian rial's sharp depreciation at Tehran's Grand Bazaar on December 28, have since spread to numerous cities. While official casualty figures are unavailable, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates at least 544 deaths, including security personnel and protesters, with over 1,000 injured. The group also reports widespread detentions, with more than 10,000 people arrested across all 31 provinces.