Iran Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeed Iravani has issued an official letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council presidency, calling for a firm response to what Tehran describes as unlawful threats linked to the country’s ongoing protest movement.
The letter, sent on Friday, followed public comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the United States was “prepared to act” if further civilian casualties occurred during Iran’s protests over economic pressure, inflation, and the rial’s record decline.
Iravani characterized Trump’s remarks as “provocative and in conflict with international law principles”, arguing that they challenge Iran’s sovereignty under the UN Charter. The full text of the letter was later published by Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
“Using internal unrest to justify external pressure or intervention violates Iran’s national rights,” the letter stated, adding that any attempt to frame protests as grounds for outside involvement breaches Iran’s political independence and territorial integrity.
The envoy further noted that Iran maintains the legal right to protect its national sovereignty and will respond to escalation in a measured and proportional manner if necessary.
Protests Spread Across Multiple Cities
Semi-official Iranian media said public gatherings continued Friday in cities including Qom, Mashhad, Hamedan, Qom, Yasuj, and Marvdasht, as well as in Tehran districts such as Tehranpars and Khak Sefid. The protest movement began Sunday when Tehran shopkeepers staged a strike, citing rising prices and prolonged economic stagnation.
Authorities said nine people have died during the five-day protest cycle, while 44 others were arrested. Officials also cited a separate incident in Qom where a grenade detonated in a person’s hand, which local authorities described as an attempt to incite disorder. Tehran has not issued a breakdown confirming protester versus security identities.
Rhetoric Intensifies Between Leaders
In a social media post, Trump said the U.S. would “respond if peaceful protesters were harmed again,” and added that the U.S. would “assist civilians if Iran uses violence, as it has before.”
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani pushed back strongly, warning that foreign interference would destabilize the region and damage U.S. interests. Iranian officials said Larijani’s comments underline Tehran’s position that third-party involvement fuels escalation, not resolution.
Economic Strain Compounds Multiple Crises
Iran’s economic challenges in 2025 include high inflation, currency volatility, and infrastructure pressure, compounded by long-term drought and energy constraints in Tehran, a city of roughly 10 million people, analysts said.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly acknowledged that the government must find structural solutions, taking a more conciliatory tone than in past protest cycles. He said earlier this year that economic conditions are a legitimate public concern, though he has not provided a detailed roadmap for resolution.
Broader Diplomatic Context
-
In June 2025, the U.S. carried out air operations on Iranian nuclear sites amid a 12-day Iran–Israel escalation. Trump later called the operation “successful,” though Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons.
-
Last week, Trump said the U.S. would “respond strongly if Iran advanced nuclear or ballistic weapons programs,” remarks that came amid an Israeli push for renewed pressure on Tehran.
-
Pezeshkian said his government will protect national rights if escalation expands beyond protest narratives.