Iranian Ambassador Attributes Protest Violence to US and Israel
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, has blamed the United States and Israel for the violence recorded during protests across multiple Iranian cities since late December 2025.
Raja, who recently resumed his post in Nigeria, disputed reports of a death toll exceeding 30,000, claiming the actual figure is closer to 3,000. He addressed journalists at the Iranian Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, highlighting both recent developments in Iran and the country’s bilateral relations with Nigeria.
Protests Initially Peaceful, Turned Violent After Foreign Infiltration
According to Raja, the protests were initially peaceful, driven by economic concerns including currency fluctuations and inflation. He alleged that the violence escalated after agents of the US and Israel infiltrated the demonstrations, conducting what he described as “Islamic State-like terrorist acts.”
“These gatherings were peaceful, professional, and demand-driven in nature,” Raja said. “The principal demand of the participants was the restoration of stability in the market and the adoption of effective measures to curb volatility in this sector.”
The ambassador cited reports that Mossad agents, fluent in Persian, operated on the streets of Tehran, contributing to the unrest. He further claimed that these foreign agents were armed, targeted civilians and police, and received financial support to destabilize Iran.
Alleged US Strategies to Support Protests
Raja referenced a Wall Street Journal article outlining US strategies to support the protests, including financial assistance, internet support, information leaks on officials, encouragement of Iranian state resistance, and intensified sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector.
Internet Shutdown and Restoration
The ambassador noted that the Iranian government temporarily shut down internet access to disrupt communication between internal groups and external supporters. Internet service has since been restored, Raja said, helping to restore normalcy in the country.
“Now internet connection is normal since last week. The reason (for shutting down the internet) was the connection between terrorist groups inside the country to outside the country,” he said.
Calls for Stronger Iran-Nigeria Economic Ties
Raja also emphasized the importance of strengthening Iran-Nigeria relations, particularly in the energy sector. He cited both countries’ positions as major oil producers and highlighted Iran’s experience in petrochemical refineries as beneficial for Nigeria.
“Closer cooperation will enhance our influence in the global oil market and help maximise profits,” he said, noting Nigeria’s population size, market potential, and regional leadership role as complementary strengths for bilateral economic collaboration.
