By The South Asia Times

TEHRAN - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday sought to project resolve and restraint as protests over economic hardship continue across the country, accusing the United States and Israel of fueling instability while pledging reforms to ease pressure on ordinary citizens.

In a televised interview with state broadcaster IRIB, Pezeshkian said his administration is determined to confront inflation, currency weakness, and rising living costs, and urged the public to avoid what he described as “damaging actions.” He emphasized that the government remains open to dialogue, saying it is prepared to hear public grievances and respond through policy rather than force.

At the same time, the president blamed external powers for unrest following last year’s brief but intense conflict between Iran and Israel. He alleged that Washington and Tel Aviv had encouraged what authorities term “rioters” in an effort to destabilize the country after the 12-day war.

Iranian media said the interview laid out the government’s economic roadmap, including plans to overhaul the subsidy system to stabilize markets, stimulate domestic production, and strengthen purchasing power. Officials have portrayed the reforms as essential to reversing the steep decline of the rial and restoring confidence in the economy.

The remarks come against a backdrop of mounting tension on Iran’s streets. Protests that began in late December over currency depreciation and long-standing economic strain have spread to several cities, occasionally turning violent. State-linked outlets reported deadly confrontations in recent days between police and demonstrators described by authorities as “rioters,” with unofficial accounts suggesting a significant toll, though no figures have been released.

The political rhetoric intensified further when Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Iran would consider U.S. and Israeli military bases in the Middle East “legitimate targets” if Washington were to launch attacks on Iran. His comments followed reports that President Donald Trump is weighing the option of authorizing military action.

Regional tensions remain high after Israel’s surprise strikes in June 2025 on Iranian nuclear and military sites sparked a 12-day conflict, during which the United States bombed three of Iran’s major nuclear facilities. Since then, Tehran has repeatedly accused Washington and Tel Aviv of seeking to undermine its stability.

As economic pressure collides with geopolitical rivalry, Pezeshkian’s appeal reflects a dual message: an offer of reform at home, and a warning abroad that Iran will not remain passive in the face of what it views as external interference.