TEHRAN – Despite political, diplomatic, and logistical backing from American and Israeli officials, the riots that disrupted peaceful protests in Iran over economic grievances last week were swiftly curtailed within two days.

American, European, and Israeli politicians, knowing full well that the economic woes of the Iranian people stem from years of sanctions, took to social media to describe the armed terrorists setting public and private property ablaze and shooting at security forces and random pedestrians on Thursday and Friday as legitimate protesters fighting for “freedom” and “democracy”—narratives Western media outlets have also been parroting. Arms confiscated from some of the terrorists were found to be smuggled weapons made by American or Israeli manufacturers.

Once the armed individuals entered the scene, U.S. President Donald Trump encouraged them to kill as many people as they could and not worry about the consequences—by declaring he would come to their rescue and attack Iran if security forces tried to neutralize them. The Tehran Times understands these terrorists are now either dead, in custody, or hiding. Beyond the sanctions, death, and destruction Trump has brought to Iranians in recent years and days, his latest actions also exploited, derailed, and indefinitely disrupted the initial movement by bazaaris that had managed to force the government to make drastic economic reforms through strikes and peaceful demonstrations in late December.

Much to Trump’s dismay, however, heightened public vigilance, stringent internet restrictions that cut ties between armed rioters and their foreign handlers, and large-scale intelligence operations swiftly suppressed the deadly violence. The damage was enormous. Over 3000 billion tomans of damage was inflicted in the capital Tehran alone, and at least 100 people—civilians and security forces—have been declared dead. The terrorist surge was the largest Iran has experienced since the 1980s. With millions taking to the streets across Iran on Monday to voice their support for the security forces—another event largely ignored or fabricated by Western media—it appears unlikely that the riots can be revived again, at least in the near future.

Analysts believe Trump and the Israeli Prime Minister he appears to serve, Benjamin Netanyahu, hoped the riots would become too expansive for the Iranian forces to control, which would subsequently cause insecurity to spread across Iran and eventually lead to the toppling or extreme weakening of the central government, similar to the scenarios that unfolded in Libya, Syria, and Iraq due to U.S. intervention. None of these countries, despite several years having passed since the initial insurgency emerged, yet have a powerful and unified central government capable of managing national affairs and ensuring security.

The riots have ended, but Trump is still not done with them

U.S. President Donald Trump declared he is increasing economic pressure soon after it became clear that the riots had failed, saying he would impose additional 25% tariffs on states that trade with Iran—essentially admitting openly that he is restricting the flow of food and medicine into the country. Europeans tried to downplay the announcement, saying Trump’s threat is still not serious and only a “statement,” but even that statement is enough to potentially increase the prices of food and medicine and further constrict the pockets of the Iranian people. 

There are, however, other steps he may take to further pressure Iran at this point—steps that, while potentially detrimental for Iran, will undoubtedly have extremely baleful consequences not only for the United States and Israel, but also for Washington’s Arab allies in the Persian Gulf and the global oil market.

In a post on his own social media platform, Trump urged rioters to “keep protesting” and “take over your institutions”—a clear call to seize government property, the textbook definition of terrorism. He also instructed them to “save the names of the killers and abusers,” while announcing the cancellation of meetings that never existed. “HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!” he declared. He did not specify what that “help” may be, but renewed military action against Iran is reportedly one of his plans. 

MIGA— “Make Iran Great Again” is a slogan used by Western-based pro-monarchist groups with deep, documented ties to the Israeli regime. Led by the deposed Shah’s son, they have backed sanctions and military aggression against Iran for years.

Trump launched Washington’s first ever direct war against Iran in June of 2025, while still engaged in nuclear negotiations with the country. The campaign failed to achieve its objectives and produced unintended consequences: it forced Iran to retaliate with heavy missile strikes on the occupied territories, devastating Israeli cities and unleashing war scenes Israelis had never seen, as well as U.S. military base in Qatar. National unity also strengthened in Iran, contrary to Trump and Netanyahu’s hopes that the war would somehow incite mass protests and topple the government.

The 12-day war ended after a ceasefire request from Israel and the U.S. But from the moment that ceasefire took effect, the Iranian military officials who had replaced their assassinated predecessors declared the war was not over—only paused.

In the six months since, Iran has rapidly repaired and upgraded its military capabilities. According to the Tehran Times, Iran has reinforced its air defense systems, replenished its missile stockpile, and even produced additional missiles for a prolonged conflict. IRGC Commander Brigadier General Majid Mousavi told an Iranian media outlet that Iran’s “missile arsenal is bigger than before the 12-day war,” adding that his unit is fully prepared to respond to any enemy move. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, echoed this confidence, telling Lebanese media that Iran is now certain of its military strength.

Beyond weapons and logistics, Tehran has also redefined its war tactics. So far in its engagements, the country has avoided escalating tensions with Washington and Tel Aviv, opting instead for measured, principled actions to halt aggression. But Iranian officials have made clear that future responses will not be restrained. Security Chief Ali Larijani warned that Iran would deliberately target U.S. soldiers—around 40,000 of whom are within range of Iranian missiles and drones in West Asia. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf added that Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would send global oil prices soaring and inflict severe economic damage on Washington’s Arab allies in the Persian Gulf, who rely on oil exports for survival.

According to a Reuters report, several regional states—including Saudi Arabia—have already informed the Trump administration they will not allow their airspace to be used in any potential attack on Iran. The stakes are high, and every rational actor is concerned. But it remains to be seen whether Trump will sacrifice U.S. interests and those of its allies for a convicted war criminal also fleeing domestic prosecution—and a group of Iranian traitors who deceived him about their influence among the Iranian people last summer.

By Soheila Zarfam