TEHRAN, Iran: Iran has summoned diplomats representing France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom in Tehran to protest what it described as those countries’ support for the nationwide protest, the foreign ministry said.
Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday that the diplomats were shown footage of the damage caused by what it termed “rioters” and were urged to advise their governments to withdraw official statements backing the protesters.
In Paris, the French foreign ministry confirmed that Iran had summoned “European ambassadors.”
The development came as pro-government demonstrations were held in several parts of Iran on Monday.
In Tehran, crowds gathered at Enghelab Square, a major central avenue near the University of Tehran, waving Iranian flags and publicly condemning recent acts of violence, an Anadolu Agency reporter said.
Participants also called on the government to address economic concerns while rejecting what they described as “foreign interference” in Iran’s internal affairs. Similar rallies were reported in other cities, including Kerman, Zahedan and Birjand in eastern Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States and Israel of fomenting violence in the country, which the top diplomat described as a “terrorist war.”
Araghchi added that comments by US President Donald Trump calling for intervention had encouraged “terrorist elements” to target both protesters and security forces.
Trump has repeatedly warned that the United States could take military action against Iran if protests become violent, stating that Washington has “very strong options” while remaining in contact with Iranian opposition figures.
The protests erupted last month against the backdrop of worsening economic conditions and a record slump in the national currency, with the rial falling to 145,000 against the US dollar, pushing up the cost of essential goods.
According to the US news website Axios, Trump is expected to meet with his national security team on Tuesday to discuss possible actions regarding Iran.
President Donald Trump on Sunday said the US military was considering “very strong options” in Iran.
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Asked aboard Air Force One whether Iran had crossed his previously stated red line regarding the killing of protesters, Trump replied, “they’re starting to, it looks like.”
“I mean, a meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But, a meeting is being set up.
Iran called. They want to negotiate,” Trump said, suggesting that the US may be considering another round of military action before any talks.
According to state media, more than 100 security personnel have been killed in recent days, while opposition groups claim that hundreds of protesters have also lost their lives.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has also denounced the protests as acts orchestrated by external enemies, urging families to keep children away from the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf threatened that US and Israeli military assets could be targeted in the event of an attack on Iran.
