Iran’s president emphasized that recent violent unrest in the country stemmed from more than ordinary grievances, pointing directly to underlying social factors. He said that while initial protests were legitimate, the situation escalated into an organized attempt to undermine the Islamic Republic. Authorities are now investigating every aspect of the events to identify root causes and prevent future crises. Masoud Pezeshkian explained that identifying social factors is essential to understanding why unrest turned so violent. He stressed that examining mental health, unemployment, and social deprivation helps explain why some participants acted destructively. From his perspective, addressing these issues early can prevent tragedies and limit societal harm.
The president specifically noted that attacks on ambulances, emergency vehicles, and fire trucks, as well as assaults on police forces, crossed the line from protest into dangerous territory. He questioned how such violence could be justified anywhere in the world during public demonstrations. Pezeshkian highlighted that these incidents not only caused fatalities but also increased hospitalizations and long-term social distress. Transitioning to solutions, Pezeshkian urged medical professionals to take an active role in addressing social factors contributing to unrest. He believes doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers can help prevent violence by identifying mental health challenges early. These measures, he argued, are more effective than responding after riots have already occurred.
In addition, the president underscored that preventive interventions are often less costly than emergency medical treatments, including surgeries. He called for the full mobilization of the health system to reduce tensions and avoid the escalation of conflict. According to him, proactive engagement with communities can help bridge social divides and promote stability. Pezeshkian concluded that preventing violence requires both social understanding and healthcare involvement.
He repeated that addressing social factors, mental health needs, and economic challenges can significantly reduce the risk of future unrest. By focusing on these solutions, society can avert destructive cycles and foster resilience. Ultimately, he affirmed that any effort to mitigate tension, prevent escalation, and strengthen social cohesion is a critical responsibility of the state. Through coordinated medical, social, and governmental strategies, the country can better safeguard citizens and maintain public order.
