by Alex Winston, Shir Peretz
He asserted that he had received “reliable reports” indicating the authorities were facing “a severe shortage of mercenaries to confront the millions of people in the streets.”
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed the US and Israel for ordering "rioters" to create instability in Iran in a speech released Sunday.
He called on Iranians to distance themselves from “rioters and terrorists," adding that his government was determined to resolve people’s economic problems.
"The US and Israel are sitting there, giving instructions - saying, 'Go ahead, we are with you.' The same ones who attacked this country and killed our youth and our children are now instructing these people to carry out these acts, telling them to destroy and promising support afterward," he said.
He accused "terrorists" with links to foreign powers of killing innocent people, burning mosques, and attacking public property.
"Families are pleading that they not allow their young people to mix with rioters and terrorists who behead and kill people. Protest if you must—we must listen to your protest. Your concerns must be addressed. We must sit together, hand in hand, and resolve them."
Iran President Pezeshkian is rallying pro regime elements to confront protesters in every neighborhood across the country: a civil war?
— Fazel Hawramy (@FazelHawramy) January 11, 2026
This means security forces are unable to contain #IranProtests
IRGC admitted today ‘significant’ number of security forces killed pic.twitter.com/68A8uoHPAT
On Saturday night, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to maintain their protests for a third consecutive night, claiming the demonstrations had significantly weakened the Islamic Republic’s ability to respond.
“By your widespread and courageous presence in the streets across Iran for the third consecutive night, you have severely weakened [Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei’s repressive apparatus and his regime,” Pahlavi said in a video message released on social media.
My compatriots,
— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 11, 2026
By your widespread and courageous presence in the streets across Iran for the third consecutive night, you have severely weakened Khamenei’s repressive apparatus and his regime. Reliable reports have reached me indicating that the Islamic Republic is facing a… https://t.co/pJGMpsmBKU
He asserted that he had received “reliable reports” indicating the authorities were facing “a severe shortage of mercenaries to confront the millions of people in the streets,” adding that “many armed and security forces have left their workplaces or disobeyed orders to suppress the people.”
According to Pahlavi, those still enforcing the crackdown represent “a minority of violent mercenaries who, like their criminal leader, are non-Iranian and anti-Iranian, and consider you - the great nation of Iran - their enemy.” He warned that those involved in violence against protesters “will face consequences for their actions.”
Reiterating a call for demonstrations at 6:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, Pahlavi urged protesters to act with caution. He called on participants to gather “on the main streets of the cities in groups with your friends and family members,” advising them not to separate from crowds or move into side streets, “that could endanger your lives.”
Pahlavi also emphasized international support for the protests, saying Iranians abroad were “proudly shouting your voice” and that “the world today stands with your national revolution and admires your courage.” He added that US President Donald Trump “has closely observed your indescribable bravery and has declared that he is ready to help you.”
Pahlavi urges protesters to 'not abandon the streets'
“Do not abandon the streets. My heart is with you. I know that I will soon be by your side,” his message concluded.
Pahlavi had called for united protests at 8 p.m. local time on Thursday and Friday, and for demonstrations at 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, along with coordinated strikes in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.
Despite deaths remaining at a low number for the first week and a half of the protests, there were estimates over the weekend that indicate that at least 2,000 people have been killed over the past 48 hours, after authorities raised the level of repression.
However, as of Sunday morning, human rights groups could only confirm 116 protester deaths, mainly due to the communication difficulties within the republic.
In response to the growing protests, the regime in Iran cut lines of communication, including internet and phone lines. Internet blackouts have historically been followed by increased crackdowns on protests in Iran.
Videos seen by The Jerusalem Post indicate indiscriminate shooting into crowds of demonstrators by regime security services. Hospitals all over the country have reported they are unable to cope with the number of killed and wounded protesters being brought in.
“All should know that the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was established with the sacrifice of several hundred thousand honorable people, won’t back down in the face of those causing destruction,” Khamenei said on Friday as the regime prepared to increase the level of repression.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf warned the United States against what he called a “miscalculation,” threatening retaliation in the event of an attack on Iran. “Let us be clear: in the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all U.S. bases and ships will be our legitimate target,” Ghalibaf said during a parliamentary session.
At the same time, Iran’s police chief said security forces had stepped up their response to the unrest. Ahmadreza Radan, commander of the Law Enforcement Command, said police were obliged to safeguard what he described as legitimate public demands while acting decisively against violence, according to state media. Radan characterized the protests as a “multi-layered operation” and said authorities would pursue alleged organizers, online supporters, and those active on the streets.
Clashes were also reported overnight in southern Iran. Protesters entered a judiciary complex in Mamasani county in Fars Province after setting fire to a guard post, the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported.
Hassan Elahi, the county’s public and revolutionary prosecutor, said the protesters were carrying firearms and set fire to several rooms inside the courthouse, with flames spreading from the ground floor to the first floor before security forces arrived and dispersed the crowd.
Alex Winston, Shir Peretz
Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-882923
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