Iran’s narrative on protest deaths blames US, Israeli ‘agents’

HereS a breakdown of the key facts presented in the article, organized for clarity:

Core Argument:

The article argues that the Iranian government is employing a familiar tactic of denial, distortion, and fabricated confessions too cover up the brutal suppression of recent protests. Evidence (videos, eyewitness accounts) overwhelmingly points to security forces being responsible for the deaths and injuries of protesters, despite official claims blaming “terrorists” and foreign actors. This crackdown is described as the most severe in the Islamic Republic’s 47-year history.

Key points & Evidence:

* Brutal Suppression: The government has used “unprecedented brutality” to quell the protests.
* False Narratives: Iranian officials consistently blame external forces (“terrorists,” the US, Israel) for the violence. They cite statements from Trump and acknowledge Israeli intelligence activity to bolster this claim.
* Evidence Contradicts Claims: Amnesty International, and the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) present evidence contradicting the government’s narrative through:
* Verified videos: Geolocated and chronolocated videos show security forces shooting at unarmed people.
* Eyewitness accounts: Numerous accounts corroborate security forces’ actions.
* Death Toll Discrepancy: The government reports over 3,000 deaths. HRANA reports 5,002 confirmed deaths with thousands more under investigation. 100+ security force members are also reported dead.
* Cover-Up Tactics: The government is actively working to conceal evidence:
* Dumping Bodies: Victims are being left at morgues “in the most undignified way.”
* Pressuring Families: Families are pressured to conduct burials secretly.
* Internet Shutdown: Limits information dissemination.
* Escalation in Severity: This crackdown is “far more shocking” than previous protests in 2017, 2019, and 2022.
* “Militarization”: Amnesty International describes a “suffocating militarization” with armed patrols and curfews.
* IRGC Claims: The IRGC claims to have dismantled an enemy command room comprised of 10 unfriendly intelligence services, attributing the protests to a coordinated plot. They present “seized documents” and coerced confessions on state TV.

Context:

* The protests began on December 28th.
* The situation is tied to a broader context of escalating tensions,including:
* Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
* Previous missile exchanges between Israel, Iran, and its allies.
* Israeli and US military actions in Iran in June (targeting military commanders and nuclear programs).
* Trump’s previous support for Iranian protesters.
* Mossad confirmed it was active in Iran, posting on X.

Call to Action:

amnesty International is calling for the United Nations to refer Iran to the International Criminal Court for potential crimes under international law.

In essence,the article paints a picture of a regime desperately trying to control the narrative and deflect blame for its violent suppression of dissent.

What evidence has Iran cited to accuse teh US and Israel of orchestrating the 2022 protests?

Iran’s Narrative on Protest Deaths Blames US, Israeli ‘Agents’

Following the widespread protests that erupted across Iran in late 2022, triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of morality police, the Iranian government has consistently framed the unrest as a foreign-orchestrated plot. A central tenet of this narrative is the assertion that the United States and Israel, acting through various “agents,” were directly responsible for instigating violence and the deaths that occurred during the demonstrations. This framing has meaningful implications for both domestic control and international relations.

The Core allegations: Foreign Interference

Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali khamenei, have repeatedly accused external forces of attempting to destabilize the country. The specific allegations leveled against the US and Israel are multifaceted:

* Funding and Training of Protesters: State media outlets have presented alleged evidence – frequently enough lacking self-reliant verification – of financial support and training provided to protesters by US and Israeli intelligence agencies. This includes claims of funding channeled through exiled opposition groups.

* Cyberattacks and Disinformation Campaigns: The government alleges that the US and Israel engaged in extensive cyberattacks targeting Iranian infrastructure and disseminated disinformation through social media platforms to fuel the protests and incite violence. Specifically, accusations have been made regarding manipulation of online narratives and the creation of fake accounts to amplify anti-government sentiment.

* Direct Involvement of ‘Agents’: Iranian authorities have identified individuals, often dual nationals or those with ties to Western countries, as “agents” working to undermine national security. These individuals are frequently accused of espionage and sabotage.

* Weapon Smuggling: Claims have surfaced regarding the smuggling of weapons into Iran intended for use by protesters, allegedly facilitated by foreign entities.

The Role of State Media and Official Statements

The Iranian government’s narrative is heavily disseminated through state-controlled media, including Press TV and the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). These outlets consistently portray the protests as a “color revolution” – a term used to describe attempts at regime change orchestrated by Western powers.

Official statements from government officials reinforce this message. For exmaple, the Intelligence Ministry has released reports detailing alleged foreign involvement, frequently enough accompanied by confessions extracted from individuals accused of participating in the unrest. The authenticity of these confessions has been widely questioned by international human rights organizations.

Specific Incidents and Attributions

Several specific incidents have been directly attributed to foreign actors by Iranian authorities:

* Deaths during Protests: The deaths of protesters and security personnel have been consistently blamed on “rioters” instigated by foreign powers. The government maintains that security forces acted with restraint and onyl used force as a last resort.

* Attacks on Security Forces: Attacks on police stations and government buildings have been attributed to “terrorist groups” supported by the US and Israel.

* The Downed Drone: In early 2023, Iran claimed to have shot down a US drone over its territory, alleging it was involved in gathering intelligence on the protests. The US denied the claim.

International Response and Skepticism

The Iranian government’s narrative has been met with widespread skepticism from the international community. Western governments have dismissed the allegations of foreign involvement as baseless attempts to deflect responsibility for the government’s own actions.

Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented evidence of excessive force used by Iranian security forces against protesters, including unlawful killings and arbitrary arrests. These organizations accuse the Iranian government of attempting to cover up its own abuses by blaming external actors.

Domestic Impact: Justification for repression

the narrative of foreign interference serves a crucial domestic purpose: justifying the government’s harsh crackdown on dissent. By portraying the protests as a foreign-orchestrated plot, the authorities can legitimize the use of force, suppress freedom of expression, and consolidate their control over the population.

This framing also allows the government to rally support among its base by appealing to nationalist sentiments and portraying itself as the defender of Iran’s sovereignty. The narrative reinforces the idea that Iran is under constant threat from external enemies, requiring a strong and unified response.

The Broader Geopolitical Context

the accusations against the US and Israel are not new. They are part of a long-standing pattern of Iranian rhetoric that portrays these countries as opposed actors seeking to undermine the Islamic republic.This rhetoric is frequently enough used to justify Iran’s foreign policy decisions,