Tehran Stands Firm: Protecting Citizen Rights Amid Economic Strain & Foreign Sabotage

Tehran — In a comprehensive policy brief released this January, the Islamic Republic of Iran has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the principles of peaceful assembly and the protection of its citizens’ livelihoods, even as it maneuvers through a complex landscape of economic challenges and overt foreign provocation.

The current wave of gatherings, which began on December 28, 2025, originated from legitimate economic concerns within the Tehran Bazaar following sudden fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. From the outset, the Iranian government has recognized these demonstrations as “peaceful, professional, and demand-driven,” emphasizing that the voices of the merchant class are an essential element of the nation’s social and economic fabric.

The administration has moved swiftly to address these grievances. Under the direction of the President, the Ministry of Interior has initiated a transparent review of all recent events to strengthen accountability and market stability. Furthermore, the government has already implemented immediate support packages for vulnerable groups and launched specialized consultative meetings with bazaar unions to ensure that economic corrective measures are informed by those most affected.

While upholding the right to peaceful protest as guaranteed by the Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Tehran has drawn a clear line against organized violence. Authorities noted that while the majority of citizens sought calm and constructive engagement, a “very small group” exploited the situation to incite armed clashes and attack public infrastructure.

“Protest is justified. We engage in dialogue with protesters,” the Supreme Leader stated on January 3, while simultaneously warning that those who come with the “intention of destruction” and exploit the bazaar merchants’ demands to cause disorder must be confronted to protect the rights of the millions of peace-seeking Iranians.

The report highlights a disturbing pattern of “overt and increasing foreign interference” aimed at destabilizing the nation. Iranian officials strongly condemned recent statements from the United States and the Zionist regime, characterizing them as deceptive maneuvers intended to sow division.

Of particular concern were remarks made on January 2, 2026, by the President of the United States, who openly threatened the use of force with the declaration, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go”. Tehran views such rhetoric not as support for the Iranian people, but as a flagrant violation of international law and UN sovereignty principles—especially coming from an administration that continues to enforce “humane and coercive sanctions” that directly target the fundamental rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

Despite the “unilateral coercive measures” that have restricted financial resources and impeded access to essential goods, Iran remains focused on its domestic obligations. The government reiterated that the protection of all individuals at protest sites remains a “primary and non-negotiable priority” for law enforcement, who have been instructed to act with the utmost restraint.

As the country prepares documented clarificatory reports for the international community, the message from Tehran is clear: Iran will overcome these current social challenges through internal dialogue and legal mechanisms, as it has for five decades, without bowing to the “biased interference” of external political actors.