The Iranian military on Saturday reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national security, strategic infrastructure, and public property, as protests in parts of the country increasingly gave way to violence, arson, and damage to state assets.
In an official statement, the army said it was acting under the authority of the country’s leadership to prevent further instability and protect civilians, warning that “hostile elements” were seeking to exploit economic grievances to undermine public order. Authorities have repeatedly accused foreign-backed groups and “terrorist elements” of hijacking demonstrations and turning them into acts of destruction.
State media reported that a municipal building in Karaj, west of Tehran, was set on fire overnight, describing the incident as part of a broader pattern of vandalism linked to the unrest. Television footage also showed funerals of members of the security forces who were killed while on duty during disturbances in cities including Shiraz, Qom, and Hamedan, underscoring the risks faced by personnel tasked with maintaining order.
Officials say such incidents demonstrate that protests have moved beyond peaceful expression and now pose a direct threat to public safety and critical infrastructure. The military has stressed that its role is defensive, aimed at preventing further loss of life and protecting essential services relied upon by ordinary citizens.
Security forces, including units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have been deployed in sensitive areas following reports of attacks on public buildings and attempts to destabilise local administrations. Authorities say these deployments are necessary to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
Iranian officials have also pointed to coordinated online activity and foreign statements as contributing factors, arguing that external encouragement has emboldened destructive behaviour on the ground. Internet restrictions, they say, were imposed to curb the spread of misinformation and to limit coordination of violent acts.
Human rights groups have reported casualties and arrests during the unrest, while authorities maintain that many of those detained were involved in acts of violence, vandalism, or attacks on security personnel.
The military reiterated that it supports lawful expression but will act decisively against actions that threaten lives, damage public property, or weaken national security, stating that restoring stability remains its primary responsibility amid ongoing challenges.
