TEHRAN - Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, says the recent riots in the country were the continuation of futile efforts by the U.S. and Israeli regime during the 12-day war against Iran back in June 2025.

In a phone conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the president underscored the millions-strong participation of the Iranians in rallies across the country in which they condemned the foreign supporters of trained and puppet rioters and foiled the enemy’s plots.

“Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is moving on its glorious path more firmly and resolutely than ever, and pursues the further promotion of relations with Islamic and neighboring countries,” said Pezeshkian.

Before the deadly clashes by rioters on June 8 and 9 in the streets in certain cities across Iran, US President Donald Trump made an open threat against the Islamic Republic that emboldened the rioters. Writing on his Truth Social account on January 2, Trump said, "If Iran shots (sic) and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go."

On January 2, Mike Pompeo, the CIA chief and state secretary in Trump’s first administration, also wrote on X: “Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.”

Through their provocative remarks, these two evil persons hijacked the peaceful protests in Iran and turned them violent.

Pezeshkian thanks Pakistan for its unwavering support for Iran

Elsewhere in the phone talk, the Iranian president expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for its unflinching support for Iran’s rightful stances.

Pezeshkian said Iran has made every effort to create convergence, rapport, and unity among ethnic and religious groups and parties in the country and reinforce its relations and friendship with neighboring and Islamic countries.

“In parallel with these efforts, we have witnessed hostilities, animosity, and the ratcheting up of pressure by the US and the Israeli regime to disrupt the process,” said the president.

He further appreciated Pakistan’s attempts to ease tensions and establish peace and tranquility in the region.

Pakistan’s prime minister, in turn, said Iran’s effective involvement and key role will foil the enemy’s attempts to threaten and disrupt security in the region.