In his first clear stance on the widespread protests in Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian referred to the protesters as 'rioters' and 'terrorists' and called for a 'firm' response from security forces.

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a television interview broadcast on Sunday, January 21, also claimed that the protesters, who have been increasingly active in various cities since last Thursday, receive 'orders' from the United States and Israel, adding that 'the enemy has brought trained terrorists into the country.'

These remarks echo the narratives of other officials and state-affiliated media in Iran, which have labeled the protesters as 'terrorists' over the past three days.