Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has alleged that 10 foreign intelligence services coordinated recent unrest in the country, describing the events as part of a failed 'U.S.-Israeli plan' to destabilize national security. The claims, published on January 23, 2026, via the IRGC's official outlet Sepah News, accuse external actors of establishing a 'command room' following a 12-day conflict in June 2025 to incite chaos and provoke military intervention.
Crackdowns and Claims
The IRGC reported detaining 735 individuals linked to 'anti-security networks' between June and December 2025, seizing 743 illegal weapons, and guiding 11,000 'vulnerable individuals' away from alleged foreign influence. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf separately labeled the unrest a 'quasi-coup' backed by the U.S. and Israel during a call with Türkiye's parliamentary leader, praising Ankara's non-interference stance.
Context of Protests
Protests initially sparked by economic grievances in December 2025 escalated into violent clashes, resulting in casualties and damage to public infrastructure. Iranian authorities have consistently blamed external forces for the escalation, though no verifiable evidence has been provided to support these claims. The developments highlight ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, with regional stability remaining a critical concern for investors and policymakers.
