Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on citizens to take to the streets to express opposition to ongoing protests against the Islamic Republic in a televised address to the nation. 

During his first public appearance in several days, following economic protests that reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths, according to foreign-based organisations, he reaffirmed the government's stance. He stated that the protests were taken over by foreign-backed agents after local bazaar merchants initiated the initial street demonstrations.

"We call on the Iranian people to go to the squares to make a decision and not allow riots to distort their demands," Pezeshkian said.

He stated that "Iranian society does not accept those who set fire to mosques."

The president added that foreign infiltrators had infiltrated the protests and were “cutting throats” of those in the crowds. He also expressed condolences over civilian deaths and warned youth against terrorism and participation in riots.

"We officially recognise peaceful protests and consider dialogue with protesters our duty. We are ready to meet with all protesting parties inside the country," he said.

Redirecting the discourse back to the economic sphere, he said, "We will certainly resolve the problems and concerns of producers. Based on the decisions that have been taken, close to 700,000bn tomans have been allocated to support liquidity that producers – whether industrial or agricultural producers – and small industries that are operating need to have access to."

"They will be able to draw from that 700,000bn tomans of financing. The implementation is underway. At the moment, people may visit banks, and it might not yet be finalised, but these decisions have been made, and they are carrying out the implementation."

I want to say that our producers should not be worried, because we are obligated to resolve their problems."

The president's call for loyalist demonstrations came as protests that began on December 29, with merchant strikes over the rial's collapse, continued across Iran.

Civilians and students joined the demonstrations on December 30, with unrest spreading to most major cities as word spread of the ongoing issue.

The government has maintained a near-total internet blackout since January 8, whilst deploying security forces across urban centres to contain demonstrations.

Human rights organisations report the death toll has reached at least 116, though Israeli and US officials suggest the actual figure is significantly higher.