Tehran, January 12, 2026 (Agencies) — Iran has claimed it possesses extensive evidence that the United States and Israel played a “big hand” in recent unrest across the country, while also summoning the British ambassador over an incident at its embassy in London.
Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran on Monday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi alleged that foreign-backed infiltrators were responsible for shooting both protesters and police officers during demonstrations that erupted late last month. He said the violence was intended to create a pretext for military intervention by Washington.
“We have many documents and pieces of evidence of US and Israeli involvement in the terrorist actions of recent days in Iran,” Araghchi stated, adding that operatives were recorded receiving orders to fire on civilians and security personnel. He further claimed that some of those killed were shot from behind, pointing to what he described as “living proof” of foreign orchestration.
Araghchi accused Israel’s Mossad of aiding infiltrators, asserting that Farsi-speaking operatives had joined protests. He criticized Western governments for condemning Iranian police while ignoring what he called “terrorist acts.” His remarks followed expressions of support for the demonstrations by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The protests, which began on December 28 after the collapse of Iran’s currency triggered sharp increases in food and staple prices, quickly escalated into riots and violent clashes. Authorities reported dozens of deaths among security forces and civilians, with mosques, medical centers, and government buildings torched. In response, Tehran shut down phone networks and internet services nationwide.
Meanwhile, Iran lodged a formal protest with the United Kingdom after an anti-government activist tore down the Islamic Republic’s flag at its embassy in London on Saturday. The activist replaced it with Iran’s pre-1979 royal flag, a symbol often used by diaspora groups opposing the current government.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the British ambassador was summoned after the “disrespect” shown to its embassy. Alireza Yousefi, director-general for Western Europe at the ministry, delivered a strong protest to the UK diplomat. However, the UK Foreign Office denied that Ambassador Hugo Shorter was formally summoned, saying he only attended a meeting at the ministry.
London police confirmed arrests were made for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker during the incident. The embassy later restored its flag, posting on X: “Iran’s flag is flying high.”
The twin developments underscore heightened tensions between Tehran and Western capitals amid Iran’s worst domestic unrest in years, coupled with ongoing disputes over its nuclear program.