TEHRAN – The Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Tuesday that peaceful protests were derailed by terrorists.

Mohajerani also said with the exception of the terrorists all those who fell victim to violent acts in the protests in different cities are the “children” of the country.

The government officials consider all protestors as “own children and will use its utmost efforts to listen to their voices,” she explained.

Mohajerani added people responded strongly to all those terrorists who derailed the peaceful protests in their million-strong rallies across the country on Monday.

These violent protestors were provoked by U.S. President Donald Trump who promised to help them. 

The protests that began on December 28, 2025 turned violent on January 8 to 10. Many people, both civilians and security forces were killed. Reportedly, more than 100 security forces were killed in the skirmishes with the violent protestors. 

Offering condolences to bereaved families, she said, “Our society saw bitter events.”

She added the government “feels obligated to sympathize” with the families who lost loved ones and those civilians who suffered injuries.

Mohajerani also said she is deeply sorrowful for the death of Melina Assadi, a three-year-old girl from the western city of Kermanshah, a nurse who was burned to death in northern city of Rasht, and security forces in the riotous acts. 

The spokeswoman also told reporters that “security is achievable when all people have a feeling of tranquility.”

“Our young countrymen deserve to heard, respected and have a decent life,” she pointed out.

The government spokeswoman also said the government has formed a fact-finding committee to assess the reason behind the protests.