The Iranian Embassy in Islamabad on Monday said that recent protests by traders and shopkeepers in Iran, triggered by a sudden increase in the exchange rate, have been brought under control following government intervention and dialogue.
Briefing the media, the spokesperson of the Iranian Embassy said that various traders and shopkeepers had staged protests in recent weeks due to currency fluctuations.
The government, he said, took immediate notice of the situation and initiated talks with the protesters through relevant authorities.
According to the spokesperson, Iran’s President played a key role in facilitating negotiations, which led to a mutual consensus to address the protesters’ demands.
He added that the main group of protesters, particularly shopkeepers, has officially announced the end of their legal protests.
The spokesperson alleged that “enemy elements” attempted to exploit the situation by inciting unrest through cyberspace, with the aim of creating insecurity and instability across the country. He claimed that after public support for the protesters was expressed by the Israeli government and the United States, a small number of people were mobilised in some minor cities.
“These elements were swiftly brought under control due to the timely presence of security forces,” the spokesperson said, adding that law and order have now been restored in several cities under the supervision of security and law enforcement agencies.
He further stated that internet connectivity has been restored across Iran, although a temporary slowdown in speed persists in some areas due to security and cybersecurity considerations.
The spokesperson said the government, while recognising the right to legal protest, has continued constructive engagement with representatives of trade guilds and market associations, which has significantly helped stabilise the situation.
In some cities, he said, limited and short-lived illegal protests emerged but were quickly dispersed. He credited the “responsible behaviour” of legal protesters and their adherence to the legal framework for preventing an escalation of tensions.
The spokesperson also alleged that individuals arrested during the unrest admitted to being in contact with foreign agencies and receiving financial compensation from abroad. He maintained that efforts by Israel and the US to incite unrest through what he termed “misguided elements” were ongoing.
“The situation in Iran is under control,” the spokesperson said, adding that normalcy has largely returned across the country.