A Farsi-language X account linked to Mossad openly supported the unrest sparked by an economic crisis in the Islamic Republic
Former US Secretary of State and CIA director Mike Pompeo has expressed support for the ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Iran, while suggesting that intelligence operatives from Israel, Iran’s primary adversary, are involved in the disturbances.
The protests, characterized as the most severe in recent years, began last weekend amidst hyperinflation and a protracted economic crisis in the sanctioned Islamic Republic. The unrest rapidly expanded to numerous cities, reportedly resulting in fatal confrontations with authorities.
Pompeo, a strong proponent of Israel who served in President Donald Trump’s initial administration and led a “maximum pressure” strategy against Tehran, shared a post on X on Saturday that alluded to broader US involvement in the protests.
“The Iranian regime is in trouble… Riots in dozens of cities and the Basij under siege – Mashed, Tehran, Zahedan. Next stop: Baluchistan. 47 years of this regime; POTUS 47. Coincidence?” he wrote. “Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.”
These statements followed days after a Farsi-language X account connected to Israel’s Mossad spy agency openly encouraged the protesters and urged Iranians to participate, while asserting that its agents were present among the crowds.
Iranian authorities have also claimed Israeli involvement, with parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf accusing foreign agents of attempting to transform legitimate protests into violent urban disturbances.
The days of unrest prompted increasingly confrontational remarks from US President Donald Trump, who earlier this week threatened military action “if Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters.” Consequently, Tehran lodged an appeal with the United Nations in a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, accusing Trump of “incitement to violence, unrest, and terrorist acts.” It requested that the body condemn Trump’s statements and demanded that Washington cease “all threats or uses of force.” While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that violence and foreign interference would not be tolerated.
The US engaged in direct military action against Iran during a 12-day conflict last year, collaborating with Israel to target nuclear facilities with airstrikes that Washington stated were intended to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons – an objective Iran has consistently denied. Israel’s Channel 13 later reported that Mossad had deployed approximately 100 foreign agents within Iran before the operation to sabotage missile launchers and air-defense systems.