IRGC warns against protests as economic, energy crises mount

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement on the anniversary of the December 30th pro-government protests, urging citizens to unite in the face of foreign threats while the country edges towards further unrest.

Referring to Iran's foreign archenemies, the US and Israel, the statement specifically laid the blame of the unrest at their door.

“The epic of December 30th was a monumental, faithful, and national movement that stunned the malicious network of American and Zionist conspirators, proving the deep insight and resilience of the Iranian people," it said.

It went on, further detailing how it blames the country's domestic chaos on foreign interference. "With utmost intelligence and resilience, they [the Iranian nation] will navigate through the challenges and difficulties stemming from the enemy’s think tanks, manifesting in threats, sanctions, economic warfare, cognitive warfare, the injection of despair and hopelessness among the people, attempts to portray the system as ineffective, and fear-mongering within society," the statement said.

This year’s statement to commemorate the event of 2009, comes amid rising threats of protest as the country battles its worst economic crisis since the founding of the Islamic Republic and critical shortages of energy.

The December 30th rallies, referred to as the "Dey 9" by Iranian authorities, were organized to counter mass anti-government demonstrations following the disputed presidential election earlier that year.

Protests erupted over accusations of electoral fraud that ensured Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's controversial victory. The movement reached a critical point during the Ashura religious observances, where protesters were accused by the government of disrespecting sacred traditions—an allegation authorities used to justify a violent crackdown. The counter-rallies were framed as a show of loyalty to the system and condemnation of dissent.

Iran’s economic difficulties since the 2022 uprising, sparked by the death in morality police custody of Mahsa Amini, for not wearing her hijab properly, have only deepened, making the risk of further protests ever more likely.

The rial has lost nearly 50% of its value over the past year, now trading at approximately 820,000 rials per dollar. This devaluation has been coupled with soaring prices and critical shortages, including routine winter blackouts and natural gas deficits that have left millions struggling.

"The economic situation has reached a breaking point for many families,” a Tehran-based economist told Iran International on condition of anonymity. “The government appears incapable of reversing the downward spiral, which only fuels resentment.”

Externally, Tehran faces mounting pressure as Israel intensifies its actions against Iranian military allies across the region and direct strikes on Iran as the two nations continue their tit-for-tat war.