Iran Unrest: Pezeshkian Claims Organized Regime Change Attempt & Focuses on Social Factors

TEHRAN – Thursday, February 5, 2026 – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that investigations into the recent period of unrest indicate a deliberate escalation beyond peaceful protest, characterizing it as an organized effort aimed at regime change. The president emphasized the need to understand the underlying social and psychological factors contributing to the violence, while also highlighting what he described as a troubling pattern of attacks targeting emergency services during the demonstrations.

Speaking on January 22nd, as reported by Iran’s Mehr News Agency, Pezeshkian asserted that the disturbances crossed a critical line, evolving from legitimate expressions of discontent into a coordinated project designed to overthrow the Islamic Republic. He indicated that authorities are undertaking a comprehensive examination of the events to identify root causes and address internal shortcomings, but maintained that the trajectory of the unrest shifted significantly towards a destabilizing objective.

A particularly concerning aspect raised by President Pezeshkian was the targeting of ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles during the protests. He questioned the global precedent for such actions, suggesting a level of deliberate disruption beyond the scope of typical demonstrations. This detail underscores the government’s narrative of a calculated effort to undermine state infrastructure and public safety.

Analysis of casualty and hospitalization statistics from the unrest, according to the president, reveals a substantial proportion stemming from social factors. He specifically cited psychological trauma, mental health disorders, unemployment, and social deprivation as contributing elements, many of which could have been preventable. This suggests a focus on addressing systemic issues as a preventative measure against future unrest.

Pezeshkian highlighted the crucial role physicians can play in understanding and addressing these underlying issues, emphasizing the potential for healthcare professionals to identify and support individuals struggling with mental health and social challenges. He argued that investing in mental health and social support systems is as vital – and potentially more impactful – than costly medical interventions.

The president stressed the importance of de-escalation and preventing the deepening of social divisions, framing any measure that contributes to these goals as fundamentally important. He called for the mobilization of the country’s entire health system to address these challenges, recognizing the potential for healthcare workers to make a significant contribution.

The shift in focus towards those arrested during the protests was noted in a January 19th post on Facebook by Trey Yingst. This suggests a move away from immediate suppression of demonstrations and towards a legal process involving those detained. However, details regarding the nature of the charges or the conditions of detention remain limited.

The government, according to the same report, is simultaneously attempting to downplay the significance of the unrest, a strategy potentially aimed at minimizing internal anxieties and projecting an image of stability. This dual approach – pursuing legal action against those arrested while simultaneously minimizing the events – reflects a complex and evolving response to the protests.

During the 2022 nationwide unrest, Amnesty International reported, according to a January 30th report by Iran International, that at least two Afghan teenagers were killed by Iranian security forces. This incident highlights the potential for disproportionate use of force and raises concerns about the protection of vulnerable populations during periods of political instability. The report also noted a senior government official, in a closed-door meeting, indicated security forces were given “free rein” to use lethal force during a crackdown on January 8th and 9th, ostensibly to spread fear and deter further protests.

Further complicating the situation, a report from EUvsDisinfo, also dated January 19th, alleges that external elements infiltrated the protests, exploiting the social agenda as a pretext for escalating the unrest into mass riots. This claim, if substantiated, suggests a degree of foreign interference aimed at destabilizing the country. The report frames the escalation as aligning with the tactics observed in “colour revolutions,” implying a coordinated effort to instigate regime change.

The Iranian government’s narrative, as articulated by President Pezeshkian, frames the recent unrest not simply as a spontaneous outpouring of public discontent, but as a calculated attempt to undermine the state. The emphasis on addressing underlying social and psychological factors, alongside the investigation of those arrested, suggests a multi-faceted approach to managing the aftermath of the protests and preventing future instability. The allegations of external interference add another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about the role of foreign actors in fueling the unrest. The reported use of lethal force and the targeting of emergency services, if confirmed, raise serious concerns about human rights and the conduct of security forces.