Iran has accused Western diplomats of playing a direct or indirect role in fueling violence linked to recent anti-government unrest, further escalating tensions between Tehran and several European capitals.
The allegations were made by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy, which claimed that the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Germany and France had provided support—either openly or covertly—to activities aimed at destabilising the country. Committee spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said the diplomats had “stood alongside terrorist groups” and contributed to provoking disorder and violence inside Iran.
Rezaei alleged that Western governments had deliberately facilitated the creation of what he described as “terrorist organisations” and had transferred large sums of money and foreign currency to finance killings and acts of sabotage within Iran. He claimed the Iranian government possesses sufficient information and evidence to substantiate these accusations.
He further warned that some actions carried out by participants in the recent protests could fall under the crime of moharebeh under Iranian law—a charge defined as “enmity against God.” If proven, the offence carries the possibility of the death penalty, he said.
The comments follow reports last week by Iranian state media that the Foreign Ministry had summoned the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy over allegations that they supported anti-government movements. Analysts say the move underscores a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations between Tehran and Western countries amid ongoing unrest.
The accusations are the latest in a series of confrontational statements by Iranian officials, as the government continues to portray domestic protests as being orchestrated or encouraged by foreign powers.