Amid a major wave of protests sweeping across Iran, a sharp public exchange has erupted online between a top former American official and Iran's Foreign Minister. The social media spat centers on accusations of foreign meddling in the country's internal unrest, which has seen deadly clashes and a severe internet blackout.
Diplomatic War of Words on Social Media
On January 3, former US Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo posted a provocative message on social media platform X. He declared that the Iranian regime is in trouble, citing riots in dozens of cities including Mashhad, Tehran, and Zahedan. Pompeo suggested that bringing in mercenaries was the government's last hope.
His tweet contained a pointed reference, stating: "47 years of this regime; POTUS 47. Coincidence?" He extended New Year wishes to every Iranian protesting in the streets and, controversially, to every Mossad agent walking beside them. This implied involvement by both the United States and Israel in the ongoing demonstrations, a claim Iran has consistently rejected.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi swiftly fired back with a rebuttal. He accused Pompeo of openly confirming the very foreign interference that US officials often label as a "delusion" from Tehran. Araghchi stated that the former CIA director had shamelessly highlighted what Mossad and its American enablers were doing. He compared the situation to arson, arguing that one cannot believe fire starts without arsonists.
Protests Intensify Amid Deadly Crackdown
The war of words unfolds against a backdrop of severe domestic turmoil in Iran. The nation is experiencing its largest wave of demonstrations in years, with citizens in multiple cities protesting economic hardship and government policies.
Human rights groups report a harsh response from authorities. Amnesty International is reviewing distressing reports that security forces have intensified their unlawful use of lethal force against protesters since last Thursday. This escalation has led to more deaths and injuries.
The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group has documented a grim toll. They report that at least 51 people have been killed so far, though the actual number is feared to be higher. The group shared images from Tehran's Alghadir hospital, which they say show bodies of people shot dead during the protests, providing evidence of excessive force.
Verified footage shows protests continuing in major urban centers like Tehran, Mashhad, Tabriz, Qom, and Hamedan. In Tehran's Saadatabad district, residents were heard banging pots and chanting anti-government slogans. In a symbolic act, protesters briefly replaced the Iranian flag at the country's embassy in London with the lion and sun emblem from the Shah's era.
Internet Blackout and International Reactions
The Iranian government has imposed a widespread internet blackout to control information flow, now lasting 48 hours according to internet monitor NetBlocks. This has severely disrupted daily life, work, and communication. Streets in Tehran are reported as deserted, with businesses closing early due to safety concerns.
Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran's last Shah, praised the protests and urged a strategic shift. He called for protesters to move beyond street demonstrations and prepare to seize and hold city centers. He also hinted his return to Iran might be "very near."
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has dismissed the protesters as "vandals" and blamed the United States for fueling the unrest. The country's army has pledged to vigorously protect national interests against enemies seeking to disrupt order.
Globally, leaders are reacting. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed Europe's support for the protests and condemned the violent repression. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump remarked that Iran was in "big trouble" and refused to rule out new military action, observing that people were taking over cities in an unexpected manner.
The situation remains volatile, with the online clash between Pompeo and Araghchi underscoring the deep international tensions surrounding Iran's internal crisis.
