TEHRAN (Realist English). The Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it has dismantled what it described as a large-scale foreign-backed plot aimed at plunging Iran into chaos and undermining the country’s territorial integrity and national identity.
In a statement released on Monday, the IRGC said recent violent incidents were part of a coordinated operation allegedly orchestrated by the United States and Israel, with the involvement of intelligence services from 10 foreign countries. According to the statement, an “enemy command room” was formed immediately after the 12-day war, with the goal of provoking internal unrest combined with external intervention to pose what the IRGC described as an existential threat to the Islamic Republic.
The intelligence arm said the plan sought to inflame riots, exploit public gatherings, and spread violence through social media platforms, while deploying organised criminal groups and armed elements to increase casualties among both civilians and security forces. It added that foreign political and security officials had provided direct backing to these activities.
The IRGC said Iranian security forces, supported by public cooperation, thwarted the operation. According to official figures, authorities arrested 735 individuals linked to anti-security networks, summoned around 11,000 people deemed vulnerable to manipulation, seized 743 unauthorised firearms, and identified 46 individuals allegedly connected to foreign intelligence services.
The statement said the IRGC Intelligence Organization is continuing efforts to penetrate the communication networks of rioters, disrupt cross-border militant groups, and use what it called “deceived elements” for counter-infiltration, while pursuing what it described as decisive action against networks involved in unrest.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions following riots that escalated on January 8 after initially peaceful protests in Iranian bazaars over the devaluation of the national currency. Iranian authorities claim the unrest was subsequently hijacked by armed and organised groups.
According to Iranian officials, the violence was encouraged by Israel and by US President Donald Trump, with alleged support from US and Israeli intelligence agencies. Tehran says the unrest resulted in widespread damage to public and private property, including shops, government buildings and public service facilities.
Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs later reported that 3,117 people were killed during the riots, including 2,427 civilians and members of the security forces, saying many victims were killed by organised terrorist elements operating on the streets.
