Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s New Year greeting to Iranian protesters has ignited controversy and intensified speculation about foreign involvement in Iran’s ongoing civil unrest. Pompeo’s message, which specifically addressed “every Mossad agent walking beside” demonstrators, has been interpreted by many as validating the Islamic Republic’s claims that Israeli operatives have infiltrated the protest movement.
The demonstrations, which began on December 28th and have spread across all 31 Iranian provinces, were initially triggered by spiraling living costs and state repression. However, the situation has been compounded by regional tensions following Israel’s June 2025 airstrikes that killed approximately 1,000 people and the recent U.S. kidnapping of Iran ally Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.
According to Iran Human Rights (IHR), at least 648 protesters have been killed and approximately 10,000 arrested, though an Iranian security official suggested the death toll might be as high as 2,000, including security personnel.
The international response has been markedly different from previous protest cycles. U.S. President Donald Trump has openly encouraged protesters, promising that “help is on the way,” while former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that “the regime in Iran must fall” and advocated steering events with “an invisible hand.”
Within Iran, opinions are divided regarding foreign intervention. Some protesters, like 17-year-old Artin from Karaj, welcome potential U.S. and Israeli involvement, viewing these countries as “friends of the Iranian people.” Others express deep skepticism about foreign motives. Sara, a 39-year-old demonstrator from Tehran, questioned whether Israel genuinely seeks democracy in Iran, noting that “Israel wants a weak Iran.”
Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former ruler, has positioned himself as a potential alternative leader, having cultivated relationships with American and Israeli officials. His mother, Farah Pahlavi, has publicly supported the protesters and called for security forces to join them.
The European Commission has promised new sanctions against Tehran in response to the “horrifying” death toll, while the U.S. has warned its citizens to leave Iran and imposed tariffs on Iran’s trading partners as the situation continues to deteriorate.