The Iranian government has issued a strong response to former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed after he urged the international community to support the Iranian people amid ongoing nationwide protests.
In a post on X on January 11, Nasheed said Iranians were taking to the streets “demanding dignity and relief from crushing cost of living and decades of repression.” He called on Muslims and the wider international community to stand with the Iranian people rather than defend the Iranian government.
The Iranian Embassy in Sri Lanka responded at length, accusing Israel and the United States of orchestrating unrest inside Iran. The embassy referenced the 12‑day war in June 2025, claiming that Israeli forces carried out heavy military attacks on Iranian cities, civilians, and infrastructure, resulting in more than a thousand deaths.
According to the embassy, the attacks intensified with U.S. support and were aimed at destabilising Iran by creating fear and chaos in public spaces. The statement alleged that Mossad‑affiliated elements targeted civilians, including children and women, and carried out urban terrorist acts such as arson at mosques, destruction of hospitals, attacks on people in streets and marketplaces, and damage to metro stations and banks.
“On which side of this situation do you stand?” the embassy asked, directly addressing Nasheed’s remarks.
In the continuation of the 12-day war in June 2025, the Iranian nation witnessed a comprehensive military assault by the Zionist regime against cities, civilians, and urban infrastructure, as well as the targeted assassination of Iranian citizens. As a result, more than one…
— Embassy of I.R. Iran in Sri Lanka (@IRANinSriLanka) January 12, 2026
The current protests in Iran stem from severe economic pressures and long‑standing public grievances. However, Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, have accused Israel and the United States of fueling the unrest.
Iran has also restricted internet access in response to the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the use of force against protesters and has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to the U.S. stance by saying Iran is prepared for both dialogue and confrontation.