Name: Irans President urges security forces not to target protesters
Uploaded: 2026-01-07T15:08:54.243Z
Duration: 1 min 7 s
Description: President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday urged security forces to distinguish between what he called rioters and protesters, urging them not to target peaceful demonstrators.

President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday urged security forces to distinguish between what he called rioters and protesters, urging them not to target peaceful demonstrators.

Tehran

President Massoud Parzishkian of Iran has instructed security forces to differentiate between rioters and peaceful protesters, urging them not to target those demonstrating non-violently. This statement comes as protests, sparked by rising prices and the collapse of the rial currency, continue across the country.

According to activists abroad, the unrest has resulted in 36 deaths and around 2,000 detentions. The ongoing demonstrations have also prompted warnings from the United States, with President Trump cautioning Iran against the use of force on protesters.

Iran's President urges security forces not to target protesters

Tehran's Grand Bazaar was empty on Tuesday after security forces fired tear gas at protesters conducting a sit-in in the vast covered market. There have been a number of similar incidents since anti-government demonstrations began on December 28. Protesters are angry about soaring prices and the collapse of Iran's rial currency. President Massoud Parzishkian on Wednesday urged security forces to distinguish between what he called rioters and protesters, telling them not to target peaceful demonstrators. Violence surrounding the protests has already killed 36 people and some 2,000 have been detained, according to activists abroad. Last week, US President Trump warned Iran not to use force against the protesters, suggesting America would intervene if it did. Tuesday's protest is the latest sign that demonstrations are likely to continue as the rial fell to a record low.

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