Iran’s President Blames Trump, Netanyahu, and European Leaders for Unrest
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly accused President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and European leaders of deliberately provoking unrest and attempting to fragment Iranian society. Speaking on state television on February 1, 2026, Pezeshkian asserted that these foreign figures “rode on our problems, provoked, and were seeking — and still seek — to fragment society.” He further claimed that they “brought them into the streets and wanted, as they said, to tear this country apart, to sow conflict and hatred among the people and create division.”
The remarks come amid a wave of anti-government protests that have swept across Iran, which authorities have violently cracked down on, resulting in thousands of casualties. According to reports from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the unrest has led to the deaths of at least 6,479 people. Pezeshkian emphasized that the unrest was not merely social protest but part of a broader attempt by external actors to destabilize the country.
This accusation adds a new layer to the already tense relations between Iran and the West. The Trump administration has maintained a hard line on Iran, imposing sanctions and increasing military pressure in the region. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has frequently criticized Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities. European nations have also expressed concern over Iran’s human rights record and nuclear program, contributing to the diplomatic friction.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Pezeshkian’s statements. However, the U.S. government has recently increased its naval and military presence in the Middle East, signaling heightened tensions. Former security advisor Steve Yates, speaking on Fox News, noted that the Trump administration’s approach combines military pressure with diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
Iran’s government has also faced criticism from international bodies, with the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Human Rights Report highlighting the crackdown on protesters and the suppression of dissent. In response, Iran’s leadership continues to portray the unrest as orchestrated by foreign enemies seeking to weaken the nation.
The geopolitical stakes remain high. Saudi Arabia, a key regional player, has reportedly refused to allow the United States to use its bases or airspace for any potential attack on Iran, according to senior Gulf officials. This development complicates U.S. strategic options in the region, as detailed by the Department of Defense.
Meanwhile, the United Nations and other international organizations have expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the unrest and the ongoing violence. The United Nations continues to call for restraint and dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully.
As Iran navigates this turbulent period, the accusations from President Pezeshkian underscore the deep mistrust between Tehran and Western governments. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation unless diplomatic channels can be effectively engaged.
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