WANA (Jan 11) – The Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council called on the Judiciary to deal decisively with those responsible for insecurity, the killing of citizens, and the destruction of public property.

 

The Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, commenting on the recent protests and unrest that have taken place over the past few days, said that it is necessary to distinguish between two separate issues.

 

First, he noted, are public protests arising from the economic problems that have emerged in the country. This matter, he emphasized, as also stressed by the Supreme Leader, is completely understandable, and the relevant officials are obligated to pay serious attention to it.

 

Efforts to create economic stability—particularly in the currency market—are legitimate demands of shopkeepers and the public so that they can conduct their activities under predictable conditions. Today as well, during a meeting with police commanders, Brigadier General Radan emphasized this very issue.

 

Destructive and organized groups exploited legitimate protests

Larijani continued by stating that alongside these rightful protests, a destructive and organized current entered the scene that had no connection whatsoever with the economic demands of the people.

 

This group exploited the context of the protests and engaged in extremely violent and criminal behaviour, including killing individuals, burning people alive, and carrying out violent acts that closely resembled the methods of terrorist groups such as ISIS. It is evident, he said, that a person protesting economic problems would never commit such acts.

 

These incidents, he stressed, require careful investigation in the future to determine which groups supported these elements in carrying out such actions.

 

Police casualties and civilian victims reported

Expressing regret over the injury and death of police personnel, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council added that, according to the reports presented, a significant number of law enforcement personnel were injured, and unfortunately, several were killed.

 

In addition, a number of ordinary citizens were also killed or injured, which is deeply regrettable. These incidents necessitate a thorough examination in the future to identify which currents supported these groups in committing such actions.

 

Hope for lasting security

Larijani expressed appreciation for the country’s security forces for confronting the rioters, stating that law enforcement commanders provided comprehensive reports on their efforts and emphasized that their objective was to control the situation with the least possible damage. In various provinces, he noted, effective and commendable measures were taken. He expressed hope that conditions would move toward the establishment of lasting security for the people.

 

Insecurity and destruction worsen economic problems

According to reports, Larijani emphasized that if the country is facing economic problems, insecurity and destruction, it not only fails to solve these problems but actually exacerbate them. Burning economic centers, public and religious sites, buses, and urban equipment—all of which have been provided through public taxation—directly harms the people’s economy. Insecurity leads to economic stagnation, and this path is not a solution to economic challenges.

 

Based on this, he stressed that the Judiciary must deal decisively with those responsible for insecurity, the killing of citizens, and the destruction of public property. Fortunately, he added, the Head of the Judiciary has also made firm decisions in this regard, and decisive action will be taken against the main perpetrators of these crimes.

Iranian protesters gather in a street during the protests erupt over the collapse of the currency’s value in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2026. Stringer/WANA (West Asia News Agency)